What organizational structure involves each person reporting to one supervisor?

The organizational structure where each person reports to one supervisor is known as a Line Organization. This traditional structure is characterized by a clear hierarchy and a straightforward line of authority. In this model, communication and command flow directly from the top of the organization down through each level, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.

This one-to-one reporting relationship helps to establish accountability and simplify management, as each employee knows exactly who they report to and who has the authority to make decisions regarding their work. As a result, this structure can lead to faster decision-making and clearer directives within the organization, contributing to increased efficiency and effectiveness in operations.

In contrast, other structures like matrix and flat organizations feature shared reporting relationships or multiple supervisors, which can create confusion in authority and responsibilities. A functional organization groups employees based on specific functions but may involve multiple layers of supervision, thus diverging from the simplicity of the line organization structure.