organizational chart

Definition

A diagram showing the structure of an organization and reporting relationships between positions. A visual representation that's outdated approximately three days after publication.

Example Usage

The organizational chart showed clear reporting lines, though everyone knew the real decisions happened in the executive team's private Slack channel.

Origin

First developed by engineer Daniel McCallum for the New York and Erie Railroad in 1854

Fun Fact

The traditional pyramid org chart was designed for 19th-century railroads and military hierarchies, yet most companies still use the same structure for knowledge work.

Source: Organizational design and management terminology

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