Most businesses have flowcharts depicting reporting connections with solid and dashed lines; a dashed line indicates that reports are still required, but that management is typically not involved in the appraisal of that professional. The reports are sometimes less critical to the manager’s position performance.
On an organisational chart, a solid line indicates a traditional managerial position. The manager along the solid line is typically responsible for establishing targets and conducting evaluations; when conflicts develop, this manager gives the resolution.
A manager with a dotted line has the right to anticipate a portion of the reporting individual’s attention and time, and is frequently involved in goal-setting. However, in this relationship, accountability is not as strong as in a solid-line relationship.
In a solid-line setup, the manager is typically located in the same geographic region as the accountable individual to facilitate oversight. In a setting with dotted lines, the manager is typically responsible for an activity or project rather than the development of the individual. When employees have both dotted-line and solid-line supervisors, they often defer to the solid-line supervisor unless otherwise taught.
