9 Reasons Even Smaller Businesses Need an Org Chart
For any growing organisation, deciding the best direction to take is key to success. There are many factors that differentiate large business operations from small business operations, one of them lies in the communication and implementation of a proper organisational structure. A clearly planned org chart works as a clear communication tool for a variety of human resource issues, including managerial authority. It is very important for small business owners to consider having a formal structure right from the beginning as this helps enhance the growth process in the different stages of the business.
Many small businesses consider an organisational chart an unimportant, overly formal process, appropriate for large corporations but not for them. Let’s look at 9 reasons even smaller businesses need an org chart and explore how one can enhance the clarity of your communications while improving your overall workforce management.
Why organisations need org charts
An org chart helps organisations build and design clear structure
Every business requires a clear structure that will help efficiently channel each employee’s contribution towards achievement of company objectives. Org charts visually communicate the organisational structure clearly and consistently to every employee helping guide and inform their contributions to team goals.
Org charts aid in division of functions
Organisations, large or small must perform a variety of functions to meet their objectives. We charge individuals, groups, teams, and departments with one or more of these functions. When we fail to clearly communicate these responibilities, multiple contributors duplicate efforts or but heads. This kills productivity and effectiveness. A clear org chart helps deliniate responsibilities for more effective implementation.
An org chart defines relationships between employees and functional groups
The relationships between an organisation’s employees plays a key role in the growth or collapse of the organisation. By clearly communicating of how different staff members and groups are related to each other, organisations experience greater growth by avoiding unnecessary conflicts and collisions at work place
An org chart helps assess employees’ workloads
It is difficult to evaluate managers without cleary defining their range of responsibility. An effective organisational chart illustrates each manager or director’s span of control, making it easy to assess their workload and determine whether adjustments are in order. This helps decision makers in the structuring and restructuring of responsibilities across the organisation.
An org chart can help determine competence
With functions and responsibilities clearly deliniated via org charts, companies and organisations are better able to measure each employees contribution and growth over time. This measure is critical in when it comes to effectively evaluating employees and managing employee growth and advancement for maximum productivity and reduced turnover.
A good org chart enhances coordination within the organisation
In most organisations each individual or group is tasked with specific functions, yet most projects an organisation understakes require cross-functional coordination. A solid org chart helps streamline that coordination to better meet the objectives of the organisation. Like a well-oiled machines each employee is able to focus his/her energy and time on productive tasks.
A solid org chart clearly illustrates who to “loop-in” where the “buck stops”
The org chart enables each employee to identifiy colaborators, stakeholders and descision makers for any given task or issue. This helps efficiently identify and overcome road blocks by immediately knowing who to involve when a change in course or descision is needed.
Org charts are good for resource allocation and analysis
Org charts are used to design work teams, carry out budget analysis and generate essential reports for productivity evaluation. This allows the organisation to manage the available talent and financial resources for enhanced growth and productivity.
Org charts spotlight “holes” in organisational structure
Without the insights an org chart provides, it is more difficult to indentify where things are falling through the cracks. With one, functions no one is accountable for are immediately apparent. Managers can then write better job descriptions and requistions and quickly fill those needs.
An org chart effectly channels contributors to meet the organisation’s goals. Ineffective communication makes it difficult for contributors to give their best impacting growth and productivity. A good org chart enables effective resource management. This makes it easier to monitor performance and growth across the organisation.
