Chapter 15.4: Integration of subunits in projects

Question 1

What characterizes traditional organizations in terms of communication?

Answer 1

They rely on verticalness—up-and-down authority and communication paths, which are slow and ineffective in uncertain or fast-changing environments.

Question 2

How do project organizations differ from traditional ones in terms of communication?

Answer 2

Project organizations use horizontalness, which means direct communication across units and cutting across formal lines of authority to improve decision-making and response speed.

Question 3

What is horizontalness in project organizations?

Answer 3

The use of direct, informal communication between affected parties, often through personal contact, to solve problems quickly.

Question 4

What is a drawback of informal processes like horizontalness?

Answer 4

They can leave out key people, leading to errors (e.g., depleted accounts, unresolved shortages), making them inadequate despite being fast.

Question 5

How do project organizations formalize horizontalness?

Answer 5

By using integrators—individuals or groups that facilitate communication and coordination between subunits working on the same task.

Question 6

What is the function of an integrator in a project organization?

Answer 6

Integrators bypass traditional authority lines to ensure all involved parties are informed and that communication is efficient.

Question 7

What are examples of integrators (in order of increasing authority and responsibility)?

Answer 7

1. Liaison roles
2. Task forces and teams
3. Project expeditors and coordinators
4. Pure project managers
5. Matrix managers
6. Integrating contractors