Personnel and organization development in an R & D Matrix-overlay operation

A Matrix organization which seeks to achieve the advantages of both functional and project organization, is described. In the Matrix organization a Program Management group is set up with the purpose of getting a job done by drawing upon the capabilities of functional or line groups, including engineering and support services. In effect, Program Management becomes a quasi-permanent line group. Individual staff members are temporarily assigned to a particular program and upon its completion either return to home base (or “Capability Centers”) or may remain in Program Management to work on new programs. The implementation and effects of such a program are discussed.