Orgchart Software — Charting Dotted-Line Reports
Differences between solid line reporting and dotted line reporting
The roles that your two managers—a solid line manager and a dotted line manager—play in relation to your position are very different. Despite the roles appearing to be similar, the two managers have different obligations to their staff and different levels of authority.
A solid line manager is your primary manager. Their role and attributes include the following:
A dotted line manager will relate to you differently. Characteristics of this relationship include:
Another way to think about the distinctions between dotted line and solid line reporting is in terms of traditional business terminology. A dotted line manager is an internal client, whereas a solid line manager is a traditional manager who monitors your performance and provides communication.
What is dotted line reporting?
Receiving work assignments from and submitting completed work to a manager other than your direct, or solid line, manager is known as “dotted line reporting.” You could submit reports to a dotted line manager for ongoing tasks and projects. Instead of emphasizing your job performance, this relationship frequently focuses on reporting the status of deliverables, project updates, and local or small-scale initiatives. Dotted line reporting is a feature of matrix management. Employees in matrix management systems have two managers, each of whom is in charge of a different management function.
A project manager may be temporarily in charge of overseeing your work as part of your dotted line reporting system. Some dotted line agreements are still in effect, especially in large businesses with remote work teams. Dotted line reporting might be a requirement of your job indefinitely if your direct manager is located in another state or country.
Dotted line reporting is frequently used by larger companies or those with virtual teams and organizational structures. When businesses have strict divisions between various teams or departments, matrix management structures promote greater organization and cohesion.
Large businesses may have staff members whose direct managers work in various locations or have projects that call for input from members of various departments or teams. Dotted line reporting is a common technique used by virtual companies to coordinate projects with contractors and remote workers.
Companies develop matrix management structures to improve organization. The organization gives the manager more power to promote efficiency and project completion through dotted line reporting relationships.
Tips for working well in a dotted line reporting company
You can succeed in a company that uses dotted line reporting with the right training and practice. Prioritizing your work and establishing clear communication can be made easier by understanding the responsibilities of each manager and which relationships carry more weight. To make working in a dotted line reporting company easier and more rewarding, take into account the following advice:
Ensure your managers are aligned
Establish clear limitations at the beginning of a temporary dotted line reporting relationship
Reach out to your direct manager when you want support
Your primary relationship is with your direct manager. Speak with your solid line manager if you want to know which of your tasks is most important or if you need assistance communicating with the dotted line manager. They can assist the other manager in readjusting their goals and expectations with authority.
FAQ
What does a dotted line in reporting mean?
Dotted line reporting is when you receive work assignments from and submit finished work to a manager who isn’t your direct, or solid line, manager. You could submit reports to a dotted line manager for ongoing tasks and projects.
What is the difference between solid line and dotted line reporting?
The organizational chart’s lines are where the phrase “dotted line” originated. The primary boss of an employee is indicated by a solid line, and a secondary boss is indicated by a dotted line. A variety of situations call for the use of this management technique.
What does dotted line responsibility mean?
The dotted line role is frequently assigned to a project manager or “activity” manager who is in charge of carrying out specific tasks or other activities but who is exempt from being involved in the ongoing development of the person or the administrative procedures surrounding them.
What does broken line in organizational chart mean?
An organizational chart’s broken line signifies a less formal reporting arrangement. Your immediate and permanent manager is not the person on the other end of that line.
