Which information is too much in flux to identify on an organizational chart?

Grapevine lines of communication are informal and often unpredictable channels through which information flows within an organization. Unlike formal structures that are typically represented in an organizational chart, such as line and staff authority, span of control, and scalar chains, grapevine communication can change frequently and may not follow a clear pattern or hierarchy.

These informal communications can be influenced by interpersonal relationships, rumors, and social dynamics, making them too dynamic and variable to accurately represent in a stable organizational structure. In contrast, line and staff authority, span of control, and scalar chains are more structured concepts that can be clearly defined and depicted within an organizational chart, as they relate to formal roles, responsibilities, and levels of management within an organization.