Introduction
Pfizer is one of the most recognizable pharmaceutical companies worldwide since its medical developments have significantly spread its influence over the last decade. The corporation has become increasingly impactful during the coronavirus pandemic due to the eponymous vaccine’s introduction (“Global Commercial Business”). Even though Pfizer is known for pharmaceutical advances, its matrix organizational structure deserves a closer look since it helped the company’s establishment in the market.
Discussion
Primarily, it is vital to understand the concept of matrix structure in management. It is a lattice structure in which department heads carry out the organization of management by function. Meanwhile, the project execution is organized by the project managers. It is based on the principle of double subordination of performers: on the one hand, to the direct head of the active service, on the other hand, to the project manager.
The former is endowed with the necessary powers in accordance with the planned deadlines for the implementation of this project. With such a system, the project manager has two groups of subordinates: permanent employees of the project team and employees of other functional departments who temporarily report to them. In the meantime, they maintain their administrative subordination to the direct heads of functional departments. Special staff bodies are introduced into the created linear-functional structure. It coordinates the existing horizontal relations for the implementation of a specific program (project) while maintaining the vertical relations inherent in this structure.
Pfizer strictly follows this structure as it has a hierarchical order of people and departments. The former ones are led by chief executives, while the entire company includes large and small-molecule divisions. Management teams operate these divisions wisely, increasing accountability, setting solid strategies, and ensuring better operation flow.
Since the company deals with large product manufacturers, it has established two research centers for developing and investigating pharmaceuticals and biological products. Therefore, these management teams operate in these departments as well. More precisely, Martin McKay, the head of PharmaTherapeutics Research & Development Group, is concerned with the research of small molecules (“Global Commercial Business”). In the meantime, Mikael Dolsten, the Biotherapeutics Group, focuses on the development of vaccines (“Global Commercial Business”). These research teams are led by influential experts whose aim is to deliver a high-quality product on behalf of Pfizer. They are also accountable for enriching their portfolio with both small and large-molecule projects.
The teams are trying hard to attract top-notch academicians and researchers to accelerate the investigation and release of new medicine. In terms of matrix structure, it is a wise move to attract stakeholders to their projects to boost the developmental processes. The company generally incorporates nine global businesses making the matrix structure hybrid (“Global Commercial Business”). It allows a company to pay as much attention to a specific product, consumer, or geographical region as a small specialized company does, as a result of which it is possible to respond to changes faster. Since all divisions are located in different countries, they are monitored by the head office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pfizer is a large pharmaceutical manufacturer with a well-developed matrix organizational structure. Despite the fact that the company has numerous divisions worldwide, its management teams work orderly as they are united by the same aim – the development and release of advanced medical technologies. All departments are ruled by the heads who work on separate projects yet contribute to the realization of a common goal.
Work Cited
“Global Commercial Business.” Pfizer. Web.