Matrix Structure

A brief description of the matrix structure in operation in the Amida Order

A matrix structure is one in which the same individuals or groups participate in more than one independently constituted structures within the same organisation that intersect. Thus, in the Amida Order there are the following structures:

1. Convocations: All members of the Order (OMs) are members of a convocation. There are currently two convocations and there is provision for the number of convocation to multiply without limit. A convocation may not have more than 12 members and these members need not (and usually do not) live in geographical proximity. There is equality between members of a convocation qua convocation member.
2. Officers: The Order currently has established offices: Head, Deputy, Secretary, Registrar, Peacemaker, and Archivist. At present all office holders are in the First Convocation as the Second Convocation has only just formed, but this situation may be expected to change.
3. Vocation: All OM's are either Ordained or Lay and all ordained are either on the Amitarya track or the Ministry Track. Those on the former are either Amitaryas or Novices and those on the latter are either Ministers of Chaplains. As between these positions there is a formal seniority hierarchy that runs lay, chaplain, novice, minister, amitarya; though actual career paths follow one track or the other.
4. Congregations: These provide a geographical structure. Each congregation is defined by location and by the fact of its members meeting regularly. There are formal criteria that must be met in order for a congregation to be recognised as such and until these are fulfilled a meeting will simply be referred to as a local group.

A single OM will have a place and function within or in relation to each of these structures and relations within the Order are thus at least four dimensional.