What is an org tree?
An org tree is the reporting structure of an organization drawn as a tree. At the top is one person (or a small leadership team); beneath them, each manager branches out to the people who report to them, down to the individual contributors at the leaves. It is the same thing most people call an org chart, named for its shape.
Why it is a tree
In most organizations every person has exactly one primary manager. Follow those manager links upward from anyone and you always reach the same person at the top, without ever going in a circle. That is precisely the definition of a tree: one root, and a single path from the root to every node.
Secondary relationships (a project lead, an interim manager) are real, but they are drawn as dotted lines over the tree rather than as extra branches, so the tree stays readable.
How to read an org tree
Four things are worth looking at on any org tree:
- Depth: how many layers sit between the top and the front line. Deep trees mean long chains of command.
- Width at a branch: a manager's span of control, the number of direct reports.
- Branches: departments or functions, often colour-coded, show how work is divided.
- Empty seats: open roles show where the organization is about to grow.
Why the tree shape is useful
Because each person's place follows from their manager's, an org tree can be generated from a simple list (name, role, manager) instead of drawn by hand. That is how OrgTree.app works: you fill in the list, the tree lays itself out, and when someone changes manager, their whole branch moves with them.
Frequently asked questions
Is an org tree different from an org chart?
Not really. "Org tree" names the shape of a hierarchical org chart. The two terms are used interchangeably.
What sits at the root of an org tree?
The most senior person, usually the CEO or managing director, or a leadership team drawn side by side at the top.
Try it on your own team
The editor is free and opens with a starter org chart. One row per person, and the chart draws itself as you type. No signup required.
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