3. Be aware of the risks of the structure per project and its pathology

Project-based structures are inherently conflictual. We can therefore speak of a pathology of this type of structure. This is partly due to a misunderstanding of the rules of the game, and partly due to its application to organizations that could be satisfied with a simpler structure.

Most of the criticisms levelled at project-based structures focus on the duality of the hierarchy: a person cannot depend on two superiors without this being a factor of serious incoherence, or the very negation of hierarchical authority. This criticism reflects a lack of understanding of the foundations of the matrix structure and the respective roles played by the three main types of manager it mobilizes.

It is important, for the well-being of the employee who finds himself at the crossroads of a business line and a project line, to have a common agreement...