Organizational charts are exceptional tools for simplifying a complex structure. However, all organizations have a design that depends upon the workflow hierarchy of an organization. This article will help you make an org chart without losing the prime ingredients.

How to create an organizational chart

Org charts must tell how team members are related and what tasks are assigned to each other. It should visualize the chain of command from top to bottom. It is a way of visualizing your company structure. So, when you prepare to create an org chart, you need to gather all information about team members and the way they are hooked to each other. Pre-designed flow chart templates save time and make the organizational flow chart more attractive. Learn More Organizational Charts: How Exactly Do They Help Your Business?

As it is a reporting system, org charts are created from the higher level to the bottom level.

If you want to create an org chart, try the following tips.

1. Define the scope

Consider org chart creation as any other project you work on. First, define the scope of the organization chart. It will help to match your team structure. The overall purpose of your org chart will be determined by its size. Once you understand the content, start questioning to get a precise idea about the company structure and whether it could reflect on the chart.

Mind these questions to get started:

  • Will your org chart provide a precise picture to the team members to understand who's who within the company?
  • Will your org chart precisely show the chain of command?
  • Will you share your org chart with partners or external stakeholders?
  • Will you require several charts showing different levels of the company?
Asking these questions helps you gather essential information and map out the structure.

2. Collect information

Collecting information is crucial to making an organizational chart like any other project. It would help if you had a research mind when you are going to collect information. Review the similar company structure and know what they have done for their org chart. You can use research techniques to gather information. Through e-mail, you can do a survey with the HR department, or if you are a staff of that organization, you can orally ask questions and gather information.

3. Draw an outline of how to build your chart

There are different tools to make an org chart. So, decide which device should use to create your chart. Drawing a diagram by hand will consume your time and effort, so consider a tool or software to do this task. For example, using an editable PDF can save you time. Similarly, if you like to create it in PowerPoint, it will help visualize your org structure when new recruitment occurs.

4. Plan for updates

The company structure and team dynamics will change often. So, updates should be designed at regular intervals. Use a team calendar to plan for regular updates after creating your org chart.

Types of org charts

An organization chart is a visual representation of an organization's internal structure so that the chart will reflect companies decision-making processes. Depending on the company structure, there are four standard organizational charts. Each one has a particular design depending on how the company workflow assigns.

1. Functional Top-Down

This is the traditional pyramid structure hierarchy. At the top of the order, there would be a single person who is the nucleus of the chain of command or decision-making. They usually have the title of CEO or president. Besides, there will be a middle management team or managerial staff on the next layer. After this, the bottom level represents low-level employees of the organization. Finally, the hierarchy extends into departments and is divided into teams.

2. Matrix organizational chart

Matrix org charts show the cross-functional structure of the groups instead of vertical deployment. It is a blend of two or more types of systems. For example, when a permanent staff member is doing an extra project with other teams, they should report to two managers, so this is the cross-functional structure that could be illustrated in a matrix org chart. The secondary project managers also have department managers who report to them. So, the matrix chart may be a triangular structure or a quadrant matrix layout.

3. Divisional org chart

A divisional org chart visualizes a company's organization with a specific geography or product line. It is a modulated form of the traditional hierarchy structure. It is best for large companies because they have different teams operating different assignments. In each division, an IT team, Marketing team, Sales team, etc., need not report to the sole authority; they only need to register to a few officials. Depending upon the work structure, there are three types of divisional structure, i.e., Market-based org structure, Product-based org structure, and Geographic divisional org structure.

4. Flat organizational chart

The flat org chart has little or no middle management. This structure is usually seen in small business enterprises with a direct chain of command between higher and low levels. Responsibility of workers may be high level in this type, so they are directly involved in decision-making. A flat organizational chart is sometimes referred to as a horizontal org chart. It also shows the relationship between supervisor and subordinate and the lateral connection.

How to get outstanding visuals with organizational charts

As it is a visual device, adding extra fittings to org charts helps communicate far better. So, you should add different things to an org chart.
  • Photos: Using photos definitely helps viewers to understand who it is. So people can connect names and faces.
  • Shapes and colours: If you are giving colour to different departments, names, and delegations, it will help to define various departments and their breakdowns.
  • Company logos and icons: If you put company logs and icons on the org charts, it will give a different feel to the viewers.
  • Animations in PowerPoint: if you are creating animations hierarchy charts in PowerPoint, it will bring life to the presentations
  • 3D shapes: If you add three-dimension images, it will feast the eyes.
Organizational charts are the best way to communicate company work structure with a visual device. You can create organizational charts in Microsoft word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Slides themes, Mack keynote, etc.