You have been assigned to a project that will allow job seekers to fill out applications and submit them via the company website. You report to the VP of human resources. You are also responsible…

Question

Options

• AFunctional organization
• BBalanced matrix organization
• CWeak matrix organization
• DProjectized organization

• A
  4% (1)
• B
  11% (3)
• C
  79% (22)
• D
  7% (2)

Explanation

Option C is correct because the key clues point to a weak matrix: you report to a VP of Human Resources (a functional manager holds authority over you), you perform both project and functional duties (screening applicants, scheduling interviews), and your project-side contact is a coordinator - not a full project manager - who merely reviews your work rather than directing it. These signals all indicate that functional authority dominates, which is the defining trait of a weak matrix.

Why the others are wrong:

• A (Functional): In a purely functional org, there would be no project structure at all - no coordinator, no project role. The presence of a project coordinator rules this out.
• B (Balanced Matrix): A balanced matrix implies roughly equal power between the functional manager and the project manager; here, you clearly answer to HR leadership, not to an empowered PM.
• D (Projectized): In a projectized org, you'd report to a project manager who holds full authority - the opposite of what's described.

Memory tip: Watch for the title of the project role. "Coordinator" or "expediter" = weak matrix (minimal authority). "Project Manager" with shared power = balanced. "Project Manager" who controls budget and resources = strong matrix or projectized.

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