Org chart encodes values as parent-child placement of nodes in a tree. Daniel McCallum’s 1854 New York & Erie railroad diagram.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits reporting lines, committee structure, project roles. Skip it when work actually flows sideways across a matrix.
This page gathers anatomy, fit, craft, failure modes and work / ads / school recipes for Org chart.
Profile
Seven chapters
The idea
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. History. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Anatomy
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Mark. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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When to use
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Fit. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Craft
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Rules. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Mistakes
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Failure modes. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Studio
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Work. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Tools
Who reports to whom — a tree that can clarify a company or flatten a classroom project. Software. reporting lines, committee structure, project roles.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I pick Org chart?
When should I avoid Org chart?
Who invented or popularised it?
What does it encode?
Is it OK in ads?
Will a teacher accept it?
Which tool?
How do I keep it accessible?
Related
⇨ Flowchart
Boxes and arrows for a process — the assignment classic that still runs operations decks.
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▭ Treemap
Hierarchy as nested rectangles — files, budgets and portfolios when a pie would choke.
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📁 Work reports
The weekly and quarterly pack — bars, waterfalls and tiles that a manager can read in four minutes.
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