Types of Organization Charts

Organizational charts are graphic representations of the organizational structure presented by companies, and other types of organizations, which have a hierarchical structure, in which the levels, areas and obligations and authority (hierarchy) are schematically reflected, which their members present within of a particular organization (in the government sphere, in a company, factory, trade, or any other type of productive entity).

Types of organization charts

Organizational charts can be made taking into account several factors, such as:

• Hierarchical levels (bosses, sub-bosses, workers, etc.).
• The division of functions or tasks.
• The lines of authority and their corresponding responsibility.
• The relationships that coexist between the various positions, sections or departments.
• Organization charts are classified by their shape.
• For the purpose they entail.

Types of organization charts according to their shape

Circular.- In the center it is reserved for the highest authority of the organization, then around it they are placed in concentric circles where the various positions are inserted hierarchically, such as management, deputy managers, sector heads, employees and other levels, which depend of the organization itself. In this type of organization chart, the highest hierarchical authority always goes to the center, and the various levels of the hierarchy are inserted in the outer circles, with the lowest level coinciding with the outermost circles.

Escalar.- In this type of organization chart, lines are used instead of the boxes that are customary in other types, to place the names or structure units (positions, positions or functions). In them, when one of the lines comes out vertically from a horizontal one, it is to show the authority of the latter.

Pyramidal.- In this type of organization chart, the chief or higher hierarchical position is always at the top, followed by officials or executives (vice presidents, managers), and continued by the various levels that exist in the organization, with the levels lowest in the pyramid occupied by employees or officials of the lowest hierarchical level

Vertical.- They present the data in branched units (similar to an inverse family tree), starting from the highest hierarchical level to the lowest level.

Horizontal.- In them, the information units are placed from left to right, beginning with the highest hierarchical levels in the form of columns branching to the left, through lines where the information tables concerning the intermediate and low levels are inserted. , always from left to right.

Mixed.- In this type of organization chart, the information is arranged by combining the vertical system with the horizontal, so that in this way the graphic information can be expanded and it is better explained. This type of organization chart is widely used in highly stratified organizations (business or government) with a large number of base units.

They can also be classified by the purpose in which they are focused

Analytical.- They are those whose purpose is the analysis of certain aspects of the organization, allowing a global vision of the organization, and of aspects such as the distribution of resources (human and material), the analysis of expenses and budgets and others. , but focused on giving a global vision of the organization.

Informative.- They are those that are usually made available to the public so that they are informed about the hierarchy, the distribution of work or resources, etc. It is focused on non-specialized audiences and its function is basically to provide quick and concise information.

General.- In them representative information of the organization is exposed, but up to a certain hierarchical level, these organization charts can well be used in companies or in the public sector. They generally cover only up to a certain hierarchical and structural level, meaning that they are not detailed.

Specific.- They show in detail some parts of the organization’s structure, for example the financial or productive part.