Hierarchical organization chart: presentation and creation guide

The purpose of this article is to explain how to design and set up a clear and efficient hierarchical diagram, which will allow you to view your internal structure and optimize the management of your team. We will approach the definition, the issues, as well as the methods of creating a hierarchical organization chart by detailing each phase of the process.

Definition and issues

What is a hierarchical organization chart?

An organization chart is a diagram that allows the graphic representation of the hierarchy of a company. When he is qualified as hierarchical, he highlights the organization and structure of the company by illustrating the distribution of responsibilities and roles through different levels. This scheme is in the form of a hierarchical organization plan which defines the links of subordination and the flow of internal communication.

What is the interest of a hierarchical organization chart?

The main interest of a hierarchical organization chart is to clarify the representation of the hierarchical order of a company. By clearly displaying the different levels of management and the distribution of tasks, it facilitates decision -making and allows more effective management. This tool also makes it possible to quickly identify key functions and recruitment needs.

In addition, a well -designed organizational scheme helps training new employees by providing them with a clear visualization of the internal communication flow and the configuration of the business structure. It serves as a benchmark of organizational charts to compare and optimize the distribution of responsibilities and roles.

What is the difference between a hierarchical organization chart and a functional organization chart?

Although the two terms relate to the graphic representation of the organization, a hierarchical organization chart is mainly focused on the structure and the chain of command by clearly showing the levels of management and subordination. It highlights the distribution of responsibilities and the configuration of order in the company.

On the other hand, a functional organization chart is focused on the functions and services within the organization, detailing how the different tasks and activities are distributed. The hierarchical diagram is therefore more oriented towards the visualization of the hierarchy and management, while the functional organization chart emphasizes the distribution of functions and the optimization of the organizational structure by service.

Guide to create a hierarchical organization chart

Identify management levels

The first step in creating a hierarchical organization chart is to clearly identify the management levels that make up your organization. It is important to define the roles and responsibilities of each department in order to structure a coherent configuration. For example, in a large company, you will distinguish services such as human resources, finance, marketing and production. This step is based on a map of the functions that will serve as a basis for your hierarchical organization plan.

Collect and postpone information

Once the functions have been identified, it is necessary to collect all the information relating to each role and responsibility. This collection involves identifying tasks, communication flows and interactions between different services. You can use tools such as spreadsheets or management software to postpone and centralize this data.

The implementation of an import and indexing process of data will allow you to obtain a faithful graphic representation of the organization. A rigorous method of collection and reporting is essential to guarantee the performance of your hierarchical organization chart.

Conceive a clear organization chart

The creation phase involves the design of a clear and legible hierarchical diagram. A good organizational scheme must integrate a dynamic and interactive configuration which allows the visualization of the hierarchy and internal communication flows. For example, a well -designed hierarchical organization plan helps employees quickly understand the distribution of responsibilities and roles in the team.

Validation, dissemination and update

The last step in the process consists in validating your hierarchical organization chart with managers and teams to ensure that the structure correctly reflects the organization. Once validated, the hierarchical diagram must be disseminated internally, whether in digital or printed form, in order to improve communication and management within the team.

It is also important to set up an automatic update process to ensure that the organizational scheme remains relevant and reflects the developments in the structure of the company. A regular validation method and a collaborative workflow will ensure the continuous optimization of your organization chart.

Tools and models to create a hierarchical organization chart

Tools

There are many tools for creating organization charts. You can start with simple tools like Word or Excel that allow you to draw a basic diagram. For a more digital and interactive visualization, solutions such as Microsoft Visio, Canva, Lucidchart, Visme or Creately offer advanced features.

These software offers hierarchical organizational charts and corporate organization charts that will help you standardize the creation process and achieve a graphic representation of the hierarchy in accordance with your needs. They also facilitate the indexing and mapping of the functions, thus allowing a configuration of an optimal functional diagram.

Models

The use of models and templates is interesting to accelerate the construction of a hierarchical organization chart. Generally, a subordination diagram includes the following positions, in the form of a pyramid or a tree:

• CEO
• Deputy Managing Director
• Department directors
• Managers
• Employees

These example of hierarchical organization charts serve as a guide to create an organization chart by providing a pre -established structure which can be adapted to your organization. They make it possible to visualize the distribution of responsibilities and tasks in a clear and structured manner.

Business organization charts available online can be downloaded and personalized according to your requirements, helping you make an organizational diagram that is both aesthetic and operational. This type of organizational benchmark is particularly useful for drawing inspiration and for training in the creation of organization charts.

FAQ - Frequent questions

What are the three forms of organization chart?

The three main forms of organization chart are: the hierarchical organization chart which presents the cascading structure with clear levels, the matrix organization chart which combines functions and projects to promote collaboration within the team, and the horizontal organization chart which favors a flat structure and direct communication between the members.

Is an organization chart in business?

Although a hierarchical organization chart is not legally compulsory, it is highly recommended to clarify the organizational structure and improve internal management. It constitutes a precious tool for training employees and to implement an effective organizational management strategy.

How to adapt a hierarchical organization chart to organizational developments?

To remain relevant, it is essential to set up an automatic update system and integrate a collaborative workflow that allows the team to report changes. The use of interactive and digital software facilitates the visualization of the hierarchy and makes it possible to adjust the configuration of the organizational scheme according to internal developments. This is a practical case of optimizing the organizational structure and helps maintain a dynamic organizational management strategy.