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Also known as: organization chart, organizational chart, reporting structure

Org Chart

FoundationalDocumentsOperations

Definition

Org Chart: An org chart visually represents a company's structure, showing reporting relationships, departments, and hierarchy. Beyond basic structure, org charts help with planning, identifying gaps, and communicating how the organization works. They evolve frequently in growing startups.

Example Usage

We review our org chart quarterly. It helps identify spans of control issues—one manager had 15 direct reports; we promoted a team lead.

Common Misconceptions

Org charts are just for HR. They inform hiring plans, identify bottlenecks, and communicate structure.
Static structures work. Startups reorganize frequently; keep org charts as living documents.
Hierarchy is bad. Even flat organizations need clarity about decision rights and escalation paths.

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