Matrix Organizations, What Are They?

Until the few years back, typical, large organizations tended to function in "Silos", logical divisions where essentially isolated groups of workers would report to a line manager or functional manager. Matrix organisations are an attempt to restructure to make project management possible. Workers in a matrix organisation are compartmentalized by their required skills into silos, like columns in a matrix, each with its dedicated manager. The workers report to and are responsible to their functional manager, who in turn usually has sole responsibility for the advancement of their workers, as well as the administration of their area, including budgeting.