24 of February, 2025

It is essential to know the classification of org charts to identify lines of command, how workers are grouped, under which department, and what are the hierarchical functions of the workforce.

The different types of org charts are very useful to facilitate the onboarding processes of new employees.

To be able to create a proper structure in HR, you must have all the information about the company and its employees. In this sense, a software with an excellent database is ideal for you.

Classification of org charts

An org chart outlines the structure of a company. Thus, serving an informative function for both the company’s employees and external individuals.

Currently, there are different org charts that companies can create. However, each company is unique. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the classification of org charts that exist.

This will allow you to determine which chart best fits your company and your HR department.

Types of org charts by their nature

This classification of org charts refers to the organization from which they emanate. According to this, three types of org charts can be distinguished.

1. Meso-administrative org charts

Although this term is more commonly used in the public sector, meso-administrative org charts can also be used in the private sector.

It refers to an org chart that shows companies within the same sector of activity.

2. Macro-administrative org charts

Macro-administrative org charts are characterized by involving more than one company. It is a type of org chart that helps to better understand another type of organization.

As a downside, it can help to learn more about other companies than about the company you represent or manage.

3. Micro-administrative org charts

Micro-administrative org charts only contemplate certain areas of a single company, or they develop the organization in a global manner.

This type of org chart allows a clearer understanding of that organization thanks to the classification reflected in it.

Classification of org charts by their purpose

This classification of org charts refers to the reason for which they were created. We can distinguish between two main types.

1. Informative org charts

The purpose of informative org charts is to inform a general audience, so it should include non-specialized information.

Hence the simple language used in it and its accessibility to all employees and people outside the company.

2. Analytical org charts

This type of company org chart allows for a larger analysis of the company’s organizational arrangement.

Since an analytical org chart focuses on providing information to HR specialists, by displaying certain organizational behavior data.

3. Management org charts

These are designed to display relationships between management positions within the organization.

Purpose: Displays how the different management levels relate.
Use: Aids in the coordination and supervision of management teams.

Types of org charts by their content

In the classification of org charts, we also find different types of org charts depending on the type of content we want to prioritize, and they are as follows.

1. Comprehensive org charts

In comprehensive org charts, all units that make up the company’s organization and the hierarchy and dependency links between them are represented.

2. Functional or structural org charts

Functional org charts include the main functions assigned to each department or area, as well as the interrelations between them.

This provides a broader perspective of the training required for the personnel in each department.

3. Team-based org charts

Team-based org charts focus on indicating the number of positions and jobs necessary for the proper functioning of each department.

More than focusing on hierarchies, it focuses on the different teams that make up each department.

4. Divisional org charts

The divisional org chart is divided according to product lines or geographical areas covered by each subdivision.

That is, it focuses on the company’s production chain.

Classification of org charts by their graphical display

According to the classification of graphical display, there are several types of org charts that adapt to the needs of each company.

1. Horizontal org charts

In horizontal org charts, functional areas are represented horizontally, at the same hierarchical level.

It goes from left to right, with the most responsible person always on the left side.

This model is primarily used in companies where horizontality and collaboration are important values.

2. Linear or vertical org charts

In this vertical org chart model, functional areas are represented vertically, with a top-down hierarchy. Each hierarchical level is represented by a line or column.

This is the most common model in hierarchical companies, where authority and top-down decision making are valued.

3. Mixed org charts

As the name suggests, this type of chart combines elements of the horizontal and vertical models, creating a more flexible structure adapted to the company’s needs.

It’s especially useful in companies with complex organizational structures and many departments.

4. Circular org charts

The hierarchy in circular org charts moves from the inside out. The top executive of the company is at the center.

Each department is represented as a section on the circle’s circumference and is connected to other functional areas with lines indicating the relationships between them.

5. Block org charts

Block org charts are very similar to vertical ones but with more units in smaller spaces.

It’s a useful model in companies with very flexible organizational structures, where collaboration and teamwork are key.

6. Matrix org charts / Matrix-based

This matrix org charts model is used in companies that have a complex organizational structure, where each employee has responsibilities in several departments or functional areas.

This type of org chart clearly and visually represents the relationships between the various departments in the company.

7. Scalar org charts

These show hierarchical relationships with lines connecting levels, but they can be organized in a less formal manner.

Purpose: Displays hierarchy in a flexible and visual manner.
Use: Useful for organizations with flexible or informal structures.

Which classification of org charts do you prefer?

After reviewing all of this, it’s necessary that you internally analyze what you want to reflect in an org chart to choose the type that best suits your company.

In this regard, a program or software that helps you optimize the process of creating org charts for companies could be useful for you.

If you need to create one, you can use the HR software Sesame HR. It is a software with a very broad capacity within human resources.

Thanks to its large data storage capacity, with Sesame HR you can store all kinds of information about the company’s employees.

Having organized and centralized information will allow you to understand the classification of org charts and create them in a simple and fast way.

Customer-oriented, both internally and externally, specializing in the definition and implementation of HR policies, as well as talent management, recruitment, and retention. Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, organization, and team coordination skills. Over 12 years of experience in Human Resources.

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iriserrador

HR Content Specialist

What are organizational charts and their classification?