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Why does a matrix organization breach the unity of command principle?
AEmployees report to more than one boss at a time
BEmployees are given no supervisor of any kind
CEmployees may refuse instructions from managers
DEmployees are grouped by region and not function
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Employees report to more than one boss at a time
1. Unity of command means one employee, one boss.
2. A matrix gives each employee a functional line manager and a project manager.
3. Matrix organizations therefore automatically violate the principle because employees report to more than one boss, if only for the duration of a project.
4. Firms have abandoned matrix structures because of exactly this problem of unclear or duplicate reporting relationships.
5. Matrix employees do have supervisors, so the second option is false.
6. Refusing instructions and regional grouping have nothing to do with the number of bosses.
_Source: OpenStax Introduction to Business (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Designing Organizational Structures", section 7.4 Managerial Hierarchy_
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