2.2.1 PMO within organisational culture
An alternative approach to classifying the type of PMO is to consider the degree of control and influence that the PMO has on the projects within the organisation. This is the approach recommended by the PMI:
Supportive. Supportive PMOs, or PSOs, provide a consultative role to projects by supplying templates, best practices, training, access to information and lessons learned from other projects. This type of PMO serves as a project repository. The degree of control provided by the PMO is low.
Controlling. Controlling PMOs provide support and require compliance through various means. Compliance may involve adopting project management frameworks or methodologies, using specific templates, forms and tools, or conformance to governance. The degree of control provided by the PMO is moderate.
Directive. Directive PMOs take control of the projects by directly managing the projects. The degree of control provided by the PMO is high.