The Matrix: A Leadership Structure for a Complex Organization

This session is dedicated to examination of a paradigm shift in leadership structure in a school of nursing. This leadership matrix draws from current organizational and healthcare leadership literature that encourages more empowering, participative approaches to leadership in complex, adaptive environments. Although traditional leadership structures remain the norm in many organizations, leadership within a school of nursing, along with its faculty, were interested in designing an innovative leadership matrix. This model supports the achievement of the school’s mission, vision, goals and expected outcomes. Based on the evidence, the matrix model was envisioned to enhance collaboration, communication, and transparency. This paradigm shift from a traditional bureaucratic leadership model to a matrix leadership organizational structure created opportunities for faculty development in leadership positions and positioned the school for success.