Matrix organizations and cross-functional teams in the public sector: a systematic review

• Published in: The International journal of public sector management Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 210 - 226
• Main Authors: Pakarinen, Mikko, Virtanen, Petri Juhani
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 01.01.2017; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Collaboration; Cooperation; Coordination; Data analysis; Deployment; Human resources management; Knowledge management; Literature reviews; Motivation; Networks; Organizational performance; Performance management; Product development; Public sector; Reforms; Research methodology; Resource management; Service provision; Systematic review; Task performance; Teams; Finland; Management; Matrix organization; Public sector; Cross-functional teams
• ISSN: 0951-3558; 1758-6666
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPSM-04-2016-0065

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical research on matrix organizations and cross-functional teams (CFTs) in the public sector, focussing on typical application areas and settings and on motivation for deployment and evidence of utility. Design/methodology/approach This is a systematic literature review compiled from several electronic databases. Data cover the period from 1990 to 2015 and are confined to academic articles written in English. Findings Applications of the matrix approach in public sector organizations are found in human resource management and performance management, service development and public procurement, and creation of new organizations or organization reform and network organizations. While the proven utility of matrix organization is often unclear, especially CFTs are linked to better organizational performance, improved coordination, internal collaboration and development of cross-boundary tasks. Research limitations/implications Methodological limitations relate to excluded data due to non-accessible articles. Practical implications The findings have practical implications for public sector organizations in adapting to a changing environment. Originality/value This is the first systematic literature review of matrix management in public sector organizations.