Definition
A reporting relationship indicating informal authority or secondary accountability, as opposed to a solid-line direct report. It's organizational ambiguity formalized, where you have responsibility without power.
Example Usage
I report to the CMO, but have a dotted line to the VP of Sales for campaign coordination.
Origin
From organizational chart notation conventions developed in the early 20th century.
Fun Fact
Matrix organizations with extensive dotted-line reporting often have employees with more managers than direct reports.
Source: Organizational structure terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “dotted line” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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