Designing the authority matrix

Mart Solution helps companies in Kuwait develop an authority matrix built on the company's organisational chart, flowing from the top to the bottom of the hierarchy.

The authority matrix sets out the administrative authorities and powers given to each job holder, so that authorities and powers are segregated in line with the laws and regulations of the state and the policies set by top management.

Problems can include, but are not limited to:

• The capabilities of units are under-used
• Authorities go beyond the capacity of the person
• Control over resources becomes insufficient
• A unit controls more resources than its functions require
• Units sharing the same resources come into conflict over their allocation
• Formal and informal powers and responsibilities conflict
• Decisions take too long
• Decisions miss particular interests

When we structure powers and responsibilities matrices, we address who receives the authority to take decisions, and on which issues. We work with the client's management to answer:

• Who has the information to take the decision, or can obtain it quickly?
• Who has the skills and knowledge to take the decision?
• Is coordination with other locations, units, divisions or departments required?
• What is the impact of the decision?
• What is the workload of the qualified officers?

Through this step we help the client outline its administrative structures, drawing the reporting lines between the functions of each unit and the roles of the individuals in it, for better performance and continual improvement.