Org charts show the chain of command in non-business entities and can be created using computer programs. Tips for creating an effective org chart include thinking of it as an inverted tree, including names or titles, using broken lines for multiple relationships, and creating an open chart for planning purposes.
An org chart can be created for non-business entities and is often included in handbooks, business plans, and more to provide a view of the chain of command, also known as hierarchies. At one time, org charts were created by hand, but as advances in technology have taken place, it is more common for them to be done using computer programs. As there are so many computer programs available to create these types of graphics, you will find that the exact creation process differs from program to program. While the process is different, there are some tips you can follow to create an effective, easy-to-understand org chart.
When creating an org chart, it helps if you think of the chart as an inverted tree and remember to read it from top to bottom. The top portion of the chart includes the highest ranked individuals within your entity. Below, looking like branches, are your entity’s subordinates. Each branch of the graph shows which individuals report to whom and how the individuals are connected. It depends on the exact size of your entity as to the size of your chart.
If your entity has a large number of departments with a variety of variations, you will find it more difficult to create your chart. It’s up to you to put names or titles on your chart. Some people choose to include both, while others choose to only include the department names and then list the number of people in that department. If you want a chart that makes it easy to conduct assessments based on the performance of different individuals, include the names of specific people. Upper management often prefers to display charts that show specific names.
Whenever you have an individual on your graph who has more than one relationship with another member, be sure to connect the relationships with broken lines, not solid lines. If you want to add biographies to some members of your chart, most computer programs used to create org charts will allow you to insert a hyperlink into a chart member’s box. People viewing the graphic on a computer with an Internet connection can simply click on the hyperlink and be taken to the person’s biography website.
You will often find it helpful to create an open org chart. This type allows you to use it for planning purposes. If you have critical tasks to hand off to entity members, open charts make the task simpler as tasks can be distributed to individuals based on their ranking in the hierarchy.
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