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

Abstract

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.

Citation

Pakarinen, M. and Virtanen, P.J. (2017), "Matrix organizations and cross-functional teams in the public sector: a systematic review", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 210-226. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-04-2016-0065