8-2 Benchmark Study: Skunk Works 1
8-2 Benchmark Study: Skunk Works
Samnang Sam
Southern New Hampshire University
MBA-580-Q3764 Innov/Strat High-Perform Orgs
Professor: Dr. Richard Horne
March 26, 2023
8-2 Benchmark Study: Skunk Works 2
Organizational Structure and Innovation Culture Comparison
This report outlines the differences between how our company approaches innovation
and organizational structure, compared to Skunk Works, the innovation team at Lockheed. This
report aims to determine how we can learn from them and make our organization even better at
fostering innovation. Let us dive deeper into this analysis.
Organizational Structure
Our company operates under a tall, matrixed organizational structure characterized by
centralized decision-making and specialists drawn from functional departments to collaborate on
specific projects. In contrast, Skunk Works employs a lean, autonomous project team structure
with ambitious, well-defined objectives. Our structure facilitates access to deep knowledge and
expertise but may lead to functional silos and hinder cross-functional collaboration. Skunk
Works' approach promotes cross-boundary teamwork and maintains autonomy by separating the
project team from the rest of the organization.
The matrix structure's dual management system can sometimes result in prolonged
decision-making processes, as approvals may need to pass through multiple managers.
Additionally, the involvement of numerous managers and team members can slow down multi-
step processes due to the complexity of the matrix.
