Matrix organization theory and environmental impact assessment

Abstract

In recent years matrix organization theory has offered an attractive and theoretically powerful alternative to traditional bureaucratic forms of organization. Yet the claims and propositions of matrix theory have not been tested against a broad body of experience, largely because of the widely varying and incomparable circumstances of identified attempts to use the matrix approach. A set of close approximations of the matrix model, namely government efforts to do environmental impact assessment, does exist and available data based on that experience offer the potential for a limited test of the propositions of matrix theory. The authors assess whether such approximations of matrix organization attain any of the benefits attributed to the matrix approach. Our data do not support those claims of matrix theory that we are able to examine. The authors consider a defense of matrix theory and suggest a reconsideration of matrix assumptions and definitions.