Final answer:
Personnel in a matrix organizational structure report to multiple bosses, showcasing a blend of functional and divisional structures that promote flexibility and collaboration. Contemporary trends see organizations favoring flatter structures that encourage feedback across all levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Personnel in a matrix organizational structure often report to two or more bosses. This type of structure is a blend of the functional and divisional structures, allowing for more flexible team dynamics and improved cross-functional collaboration. In a matrix structure, an employee might report to both a functional manager and a project or product manager, which is distinct from the traditional hierarchy seen in purely functional or divisional structures. In recent years, many organizations have moved toward flatter organizational structures to promote teamwork and communication. This approach encourages directors to solicit feedback from all levels of staff, including entry-level employees, fostering collegial relationships with managers and co-workers. An authoritarian type of group leadership features communication that flows from the top down, indicating a more hierarchical system compared to other leadership styles such as democratic or laissez-faire.