An Org Chart is a collection of boxes connected by lines with a hierarchical structure. Each box contains an organizational group name, role, or individual person, and the lines between the boxes show the hierarchical reporting relationships within the organization as in the figure below. Higher levels in the structure are placed at the top of the Chart, with subordinate levels in the hierarchy placed below.

Typically, each box contains the same level of information. For example, when the Org Chart includes individuals’ names and titles, then each subsequent box should also include one name and one title, and none of the boxes should include only an organizational entity. 

While many, if not most, organizations already have an Org Chart drawn up, it is often overlooked as a useful requirements model. The use of this model from the onset of a project helps ensure that all users and stakeholders are identified. It also allows for their input to the solution to be appropriately elicited.

Learn more about requirements models in our book Visual Models for Software Requirements (Microsoft Press, 2012) Joy Beatty and Anthony Chen. (See Chapter 8 for Org Charts)