Organization design vs. organization chart
When discussing organizational design, many people refer to the organizational chart. That is, the diagram that illustrates who reports to whom in an organization. But design and diagram are two different things. Organization design is also about the processes by which decisions are made about the org chart: Who works with whom? Who reports to whom? And who is responsible for making which decisions? The answer to these questions depends on the design of the org chart.
In the ever-changing world we live in, it's only natural that some organizational forms come into vogue, while others are considered outdated and out of touch with the times.
However, it can be dangerous to be blinded by fads and implement a new organizational form without considering the overall organizational design. As mentioned, organizational design is more than just shapes and lines on a piece of paper.
Organizational design is based on a connection between the common task you have as an organization, the structure you use to accomplish the task, and the processes that connect the people who need to accomplish the task. If you don't remember all the elements and end up focusing too much on a new, appealing organizational form - for example, an organization without leaders - you risk being left with a paralyzed organization.
