Reporting line
A reporting line is the relationship between a person and the manager they answer to, and the line that connects them on an org chart. The solid line is the primary relationship: the person who sets priorities, approves leave, and runs the performance review. A dotted line is a secondary one.
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Create Your Org Chart FreeSolid-line vs dotted-line reporting
Solid-line (direct) reporting is the formal relationship: one per person, and the lines together form the org tree.
Dotted-line reporting is a second, weaker relationship: an interim manager covering a vacancy, a project lead in a matrix organization, or a regional head a specialist coordinates with. It shapes day-to-day work but not the formal hierarchy.
Reporting lines in OrgTree.app
The Reports To column holds each person's solid-line manager, by name. Setting the Reporting line column to Dotted draws the line into that person dashed, for an interim or dotted-line report, without changing who they report to.
Frequently asked questions
What is a direct reporting line?
The solid-line relationship between a person and their primary manager: the one who sets their priorities and reviews their performance.
What does dotted-line reporting mean?
A secondary relationship to someone other than the primary manager, common in matrix organizations and for interim cover.
Can a person have two solid-line managers?
It happens, but it breaks the tree and usually signals unclear accountability. Most organizations keep one solid line and make the other dotted.
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