Organizational Chart: Definition and Types

In any company or startup, organizational clarity is essential for success and collaboration. Organizational charts are visual tools that facilitate understanding of the internal structure, helping teams and leaders to coordinate better. At Aticco, we know that a clear organization, in combination with flexible workspaces, enhances collaboration and efficiency in each team.

What is an Organizational Chart and what is it for in a company?

The organizational chart is a key tool for any organization, as it allows visualizing its internal structure and hierarchical levels in a graphic and understandable way. In a company organizational chart, it shows how responsibilities are distributed, how departments are organized, and what functions each team member has. This is essential to establish a clear line of communication, facilitate coordination, and promote operational efficiency within the company.

In the business world, organizational charts are essential for structuring roles, responsibilities, and workflows. However, it is not enough to have a well-defined structure on paper; it is equally important that the physical space where companies operate reflects that organization.

Coworking spaces, such as those offered by Aticco, allow companies to configure adaptable spaces according to their organization chart, facilitating both collaboration between large teams and the work of independent professionals. This flexible approach not only optimizes productivity but also fosters cohesion and dynamism within teams.

Types of Organization Charts

Choosing the right type of organizational chart is essential for the structure of a company to be represented in the best possible way. Below, we present the most common types:

Vertical Organizational Chart

The vertical organizational chart is the most traditional and is characterized by showing the hierarchical structure of the company from top to bottom. In this model, senior positions appear at the top and lower levels are placed below. It is ideal for companies with a well-defined hierarchical structure, as it allows you to quickly visualize the relationship of subordination between different areas and team members.

Functional Organizational Chart

This type of organizational chart distributes the areas or departments of the company based on different specific functions or tasks, such as marketing, finance, sales, and human resources. The functional organizational chart helps to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team, improving efficiency and specialization within the company. It is useful in companies that seek to optimize their processes through a clear delimitation of functions.

Interactive Organizational Chart

With the evolution of technology, the interactive organizational chart has become a popular tool in the organization of modern companies. Unlike traditional organizational charts, this model allows dynamic navigation and real-time updating. In addition, it is ideal for companies with complex or rapidly changing structures, as it allows you to add details about each team member, including skills and ongoing projects. An online organizational chart or web organizational chart makes it easy for any employee to access it anytime, anywhere.

Small Business Organizational Chart

Small companies usually adopt simpler organizational charts, which reflect fewer hierarchical levels and a less complex structure. This type of organizational chart is more flexible and allows each team member to have a multifunctional role. It is common to see a horizontal organizational chart in these companies, where the founders or leaders have direct contact with all team members, fostering collaboration and fluid communication.

How to create an Online Organizational Chart

Today, technology greatly facilitates the creation of online organizational charts, with tools that allow you to create personalized diagrams adapted to the specific needs of each company. Here are some basic steps to create an online organizational chart:

1. Define the structure: Before creating the organizational chart, it is important to be clear about the structure of the company and the roles you want to reflect.
2. Choose the right tool: There are multiple platforms that allow you to create an online organizational chart, such as Miro, Lucidchart, and Canva, where you can easily customize designs.
3. Customize the organizational chart: Select colors and shapes that represent the company's identity, in addition to adding relevant information about team members or departments.
4. Update regularly: An organizational chart should be kept up to date to reflect any changes in the organizational structure.

Examples of business organizational charts for inspiration

Observing how other companies organize their structures can be very useful when designing your own organizational chart. Here are some examples of common business organizational charts:

• Organizational chart of a technology company: Usually includes areas such as development, marketing, operations, and technical support, with well-defined hierarchies in each department.
• Organizational chart of a service company: Organizes teams according to customer service, operations, finance, and marketing areas, highlighting the interaction between these departments.
• Organizational chart of a startup: Tends to be less hierarchical and with multi-functional roles, in which the founders and the main team are directly involved in multiple areas.

Common challenges in diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how to overcome them

Organizational charts can also play an important role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Establishing a clear structure helps ensure that all voices are represented and that an inclusive culture is fostered from the ground up. Among the most common challenges are unequal opportunities and lack of visibility for certain groups. Overcoming these challenges requires proactive diversity policies and the creation of inclusive workplaces that promote equality and respect.

The organizational chart is an indispensable tool for any company looking for a clear and organized structure, especially in collaborative work environments such as Aticco's coworking spaces. By offering flexibility and personalization, organizational charts allow innovative companies to adapt and grow in a changing environment, optimizing collaboration between teams and promoting inclusion.