Which organizational structure combines functional and product departmentalization by bringing together people from different functional areas to work on a special project?

• A. Matrix Structure
• B. Mechanistic Organization
• C. Organic Organization
• D. Organization

Answer: (A)

A matrix structure is the approach that blends functional and product departmentalization by forming cross‑functional teams drawn from different parts of the organization to work on a specific project or product. In this setup, employees usually report to two managers: a functional boss (who oversees expertise in their discipline) and a project or product manager (who oversees the project’s goals). This dual reporting and shared resources allow the team to combine deep functional knowledge with a clear focus on the product, enabling flexible collaboration across departments and quicker responses to project needs. Mechanistic organizations emphasize tight control and a strict hierarchy, which doesn’t foster cross-functional project teams. Organic organizations are more fluid and less formal, but they don’t inherently arrange staff into dual-reporting project teams that fuse functional and product lines.