CROSS-FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES - A REVIEW AND INTEGRATION OF MATRIX ORGANIZATION AND PROJECT-MANAGEMENT

In this article, we review and summarize the literature on cross-functional organization forms that has been published since 1976. We focus on the commonalities of the literatures that deal with matrix organization and project management. With a definition of cross-functional organization in hand, we review the literature for advantages and disadvantages of these organization forms, ending the section with a discussion of the great need for empirical research to resolve numerous questions and paradoxes. Finally, we review a model for effective cross-functional organizations, comprising environmental influences, organizational characteristics, project characteristics, project team characteristics, project leader characteristics, and project effectiveness. Each section ends with a discussion of needed research, and the article ends with a call for research and theory building regarding cross-functional organizations, which continue to grow in application importance.