Blank Organizational Charts

We have provided sample organization charts for a number of different business structures. For each type, there is a blank organization chart with no text, and also a printable organization chart with a legend. Business organizations may normally be classified as one of four types:

Flat Organization Structure

A flat organization is one where all members have equal value and authority, and communication is between equal peers. A chart of this type of organization normally consists of a horizontal set of information, with connections between information 'nodes' running horizontally.

<Print blank organizational chart - flat> - a basic chart without annotation

<Printable organization chart - flat> - a chart with annotation

Hierarchical Organization Structure

A hierarchical organization is one in which there are a number of levels of responsibility and authority, and communication is between equal peers, and up and down the hierarchy. A chart of this type of organization normally consists of a number of horizontal sets of functions held in a series of layers, with connections running between layers.

<Print blank organizational chart - hierarchy> - a basic chart without annotation

<Printable organization chart - hierarchy> - a chart with annotation

Linear Organization Structure

A linear organization is one in which there are a number of levels of responsibility and authority, and communication is vertical between levels. A chart of this type of organization normally consists of a number of individual functions held in a series of layers, with connections running between layers. It may be consider as a special case or narrow version of the hierarchical chart.

<Print blank organizational chart - linear> - a basic chart without annotation

<Printable organization chart - linear> - a chart with annotation

Matrix Organization Structure

A matrix organization is one in which there are a number of levels of responsibility and authority, and also parallel departments or sections with differing tasks. Communication is vertical between levels and horizontal between tasks. A chart of this type of organization normally consists of a grid of departments and tasks, with connections running throughout the grid. Experience has shown that this is not usually a successful organizational structure, due to it's complexity.

<Print blank organizational chart - matrix> - a basic chart without annotation

<Printable organization chart - matrix> - a chart with annotation

Our blank organizational charts and printable blank charts for flat, hierarchical, linear and matrix organizations can be used as a basis for presentations on organizational structure.