Final answer:
Organization charts help employees understand how they fit within the overall company structure, provide clarity on direct supervisors and the hierarchy of authority, and assist in relationship building by giving insight into co-workers' roles and titles.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the advantages of organization charts is that they show employees how the pieces of the entire organization are intended to fit together. An organization chart may not reveal vital informational channels or political influence, nor does it necessarily reflect power and status by proximity to the CEO. However, it does provide a clear visual representation of the company's structure, helping employees understand their role within the larger context, who their direct supervisors are, and delineating the chain of command.
Understanding the hierarchy of authority and one's place within it can help new employees increase their company knowledge, such as the mission, values, priorities, competitors, and more. Moreover, an organizational chart can assist in relationship building by helping employees learn about their co-workers' names, titles, and roles, which is crucial for teamwork and collaboration. This facilitates an understanding of the type of work others do and how it relates to one's own role.
While many organizations today are moving towards flatter structures that encourage direct feedback across levels of employment, organization charts still play a critical role in providing a sense of order and organization, especially for new members trying to maximize their first year on the job.