organograms

An organogram is a diagram that displays the internal structure of an organization, showing the relationships between roles, departments, and levels of authority. It is often used interchangeably with organizational chart or org chart, though organogram emphasizes formal reporting lines and role relationships. Boxes or nodes represent positions or job titles, and connecting lines indicate who reports to whom, as well as how departments are interlinked. Some organograms also include names, functions, or locations, and may show spans of control and levels of seniority.

Organograms serve several purposes: clarifying the chain of command and accountability, supporting onboarding and workforce planning, aiding governance and communication with stakeholders, and providing a visual reference during restructuring or strategic planning. They are typically produced for corporate, government, non-profit, or educational organizations and can be produced with drawing tools or specialized software.

Common structures include hierarchical organograms, which reflect traditional top-down authority; functional, divisional, or matrix layouts that show different forms of grouping and reporting, sometimes with dual reporting lines; and flatter or networked designs that reduce middle management levels. In recent practice, matrix structures and project-based teams may be reflected with multiple connections or separate sub-charts within a single organogram.

Limitations include that organograms are static and can become outdated as staff changes occur. They may not reflect informal networks, temporary teams, or ongoing process reengineering. For these reasons, organizations often maintain online, searchable versions and supplement organograms with role descriptions and governance documents. Accessibility and readability are important as diagrams should convey information clearly to diverse audiences.