Organizational charts

What is an organizational chart ?

An organizational structure is a design of a which indicates formal, planned relationships between its personnel and the functions they perform in relation to one another. The structure shows who reports to whom and which worker must do what job in order for another job to be completed.

What is an organizational chart?

A graphic representation of an organizational structure. The organizational chart reveals the span of control of each manager within an organization.

Types of organizational structures

Line/direct structure

Functional structure

Matrix organizational structure

Tall and flat organizational hierarchies

Line or Direct structure

An organisation where authority flows from top to bottom. Line managers give instructions and supervise workers, while staff managers support with advice and technical help. Also called scalar or military structure. This is a direct relationship between managers, junior managers and ordinary or subordinate staff members.

Functional structure?

An organisation divided into departments like finance, HR, marketing, and production. Each department is led by a manager who reports to top management. Employees report to their functional manager, and coordination between departments is needed for shared projects. This is the relationship that exists between specialists in an organization and other areas.

Matrix structure?

A structure combining functional departments and project teams. Employees work across departments on different projects and may report to both a functional manager and a project manager. It improves coordination and decision-making for projects by using staff from various areas.

Tall and flat structure?

Tall vs Flat organisational structure (summary):

• Tall structure: Many levels of management, long chain of command, narrow span of control (few workers per manager).

• Flat (horizontal) structure: Few levels of management, short chain of command, wide span of control (many workers per manager).

Principles of organizing

Unity of command

Chain of command

Span of control

Delegating and Authority

Unity of command (Principle of organizing)

an employee should never be assigned to more than one supervisor.

Chain of command (principle of organizing)

• this shows who is in charge or who has the right or authority to command.

Span of control(principles of organization)

the number of persons to be supervised by any one person. This should be of a manageable size to facilitate effectiveness of supervision.

Delegating and authority(principles of organization)

 Delegating: assigning tasks to persons who are qualified and capable of performing them. The person who is assigned the tasks should have the authority to see to its accomplishment. Authority: the person has the right and power to influence or to command a certain response from those being supervised.

What is an Informal Organization?

An informal organization is a naturally formed group of workers who share common interests and communicate through the grapevine. It is usually led by an informal leader who emerges from the group.