An Exploratory Study of Organizational Structures and Processes at AACSB Member Schools

Matrix organizational structures have been suggested for facilitating attainment of school-wide goals and meeting the expectations of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In this study, the authors surveyed deans from 130 randomly selected AACSB member schools to determine whether traditionally structured and matrix-structured schools differ in (a) demographic characteristics and (b) the conduct of key business school activities. Seventeen percent of the respondents indicated that they used a matrix structure in their business units. A higher percentage of private institutions was reported among the matrix-structured schools than among those reporting a traditional organizational structure. However, with two exceptions, the respondents from the two groups reported similar conduct of key business school activities.