In a hierarchal business organization, especially in a

matrix management Matrix management is an organizational structure in which some individuals report to more than one supervisor or leader–relationships described as solid line or dotted line reporting. More broadly, it may also describe the management of cross-f ...

structure, the relationship between a worker and their direct supervisor or leader can be classified as solid-line reporting (also called direct reporting) or dotted-line reporting (also called indirect reporting). The use of "solid-line" versus "dotted-line" is based on the visual representation of the

organizational structure An organizational structure defines how activities such as task allocation, coordination, and supervision are directed toward the achievement of organizational aims. Organizational structure affects organizational action and provides the founda ...

in an

organizational chart An organizational chart, also called organigram, organogram, or organizational breakdown structure (OBS) is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs. The term ...

Solid-line (direct) reporting

Solid-line reporting is a direct reporting relationship between a supervisor and their supervised worker. The supervisor provides primary guidance to the worker, controls the major financial resources on which the worker relies to perform their work, conducts performance reviews with the worker, and provides all other direct supervision. A worker who has a supervisor to whom they report directly is often called a direct report.Neilson, G. and Wulf, J.
"How Many Direct Reports?"
''Harvard Business Review'', April 2012 issue, accessed 28 January 2021

Dotted-line (indirect) reporting

Dotted-line reporting describes a relationship between a worker and a secondary supervisor/leader who provides additional oversight and guidance to the worker in the execution of their work. The intent of the dotted-line relationship is to ensure that the dotted-line supervisor/leader has the authority to provide some level of influence and leadership to the worker, including goal-setting. The dotted-line supervisor/leader will provide input regarding the worker’s performance to the solid-line supervisor for inclusion in the worker’s annual performance review.

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* The Synergy of One: Creating High-Performing Sustainable Organizations ... - Michael J. Dreikorn * Designing Your Organization: Using the STAR Model to Solve 5 Critical Design ... - Amy Kates,

Jay R. Galbraith Jay R. Galbraith (Feb. 26, 1939 - April 8, 2014) was an American organizational theorist, consultant and Professor at the International Institute for Management Development, known for his work on strategy and organization design.Pfeffer, Jeffrey, an ...

Organizational theory Human resource management {{business-stub