What are the different types of organizational charts?
- Hierarchical: Depicts a top-down structure to show how the chain of command flows through different levels of management and staff. This format is commonly used by most organizations.
- Matrix: Illustrates both vertical and horizontal reporting relationships that connect teams and managers across different departments. In this setup, employees have dual reporting relationships – usually with a functional manager and a project manager.
- Flat: Reflects a more decentralized structure with fewer levels of hierarchy between employees and the top leaders. Employees have greater autonomy and a broader range of responsibilities. This structure is commonly found in small to mid-sized companies, startups, and organizations that like to prioritize agility and rapid decision-making.
- Divisional: Organizes employees by business category, typically by product, market segment, or geographic location. Each division operates as a semi-autonomous unit and has its own management, resources, and support functions.
What are the key components of an organizational chart?
To provide clarity, an organizational chart should include:
- The names of all organizational members
- The positions and titles of each member
- Both direct and indirect lines of reporting
- Depiction of the various departments, teams, or units and how they are broken down