General
dotted line
What does dotted line mean?
An informal or secondary reporting relationship where someone influences but doesn't directly manage another.
"He has a dotted-line relationship to marketing but reports to product."
Origin
From dotted lines on org charts; contrasts with 'solid line'.
Frequently asked questions
What does a dotted line relationship mean?
It's an informal or secondary reporting link where someone influences another person without directly managing them.
How is a dotted line different from a solid line?
A solid line is a direct reporting relationship, while a dotted line is indirect or advisory.
Where does the term come from?
It comes from the dotted lines drawn on org charts to show secondary reporting connections.
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