When is an Organization Chart Out of Date?

Outdated Organization Chart
Ghulam Muhammad, HR Consultant, Pakistan
The purpose of an organizational chart is to understand the whole process and what authority the person should contact if problems occur. If a chart doesn't specify the correct person to contact and the right process of the organization, it is probably outdated and not useful for the organization.

Symptoms of Structural Deficiency
Julie Martin, HR Consultant, Bangladesh
- When decision making is delayed or lacking in quality
- When the organisation does not innovatively respond to changes in the environment
- When there are too many conflicts between departments

Out-of-date Organization Charts versus Structure
David Wilson, Manager, Canada
If the organization chart does not accurately reflect:
1. Reporting relationships,
2. Current employees,
3. Position titles/levels, and
4. Vacancies,
it should be considered out of date.
An out-of-date organization structure would reflect a misalignment with the organization's current vision, goals and business model.

Org Chart Has Many Purposes
KATHRYN STEINER, MBA, Entrepreneur, United States
@Ghulam Muhammad: I prefer a flatter organizational structure with an organizational chart primarily for contact and title information - not indicating hierarchy - unless the organization grows and this is necessary. Demonstrating hierarchy is not my preference.