Organizational Chart Types and Structural Classifications

Organizational Chart Classifications

Types of charts for your area: This group is divided into two types of organization:

• General: Contains data representative of an organization up to a certain hierarchical level, according to its size and characteristics. In the public sector, this can cover up to the general management level or equivalent, while in the private sector, it often covers the department or office level.
• Specific: These show the structure of a particular area of the organization.

Content-Based Classifications

This group is divided into three types of organization:

• Integral: These are graphical representations of all administrative units of an organization and their relations of hierarchy or dependence. Note that general and comprehensive organizational charts are equivalent.
• Functional: Includes the main functions assigned to units, in addition to their interrelationships. This type of chart is useful for training staff and providing information about the organization in general.
• Positions, Places, and Units: These indicate the needs for jobs and the number of places required for each unit. They also include the names of persons who occupy the seats.

Available Presentation Graphics

This group is divided into four types of organization:

• Vertical: These have branched units from top to bottom, with the holder at the top, and disaggregate the different hierarchical levels in a phased manner. They are the most widely used in administration; thus, organizational manuals recommend their use.
• Horizontal: Displays the units from left to right and places the holder on the left. The hierarchical levels are arranged as columns, while relations between the units are sorted by lines arranged horizontally.
• Mixed: This type of organization uses vertical and horizontal combinations to extend the possibilities of graphing. It is recommended for use in organizations with a large number of units at the base.
• Block: These are a variation of the vertical chart and have the particularity of integrating more units in smaller spaces. Due to their coverage, they allow units to appear located on the top levels of the hierarchy.
• Circular: In this type of graphic design, the senior unit is located in the center of a series of concentric circles, each of which represents a level of authority that decreases from the center outwards. The last and largest circle indicates the lowest level of hierarchy. Units of equal status are located on the same circle, and hierarchical relationships are indicated by lines drawn between the figures.