Fractal Pathology Diagnostic
Use when experiencing organizational dysfunction, slow decision-making, coordination failures, or resistance to change.
A diagnostic tool for identifying four common organizational fractal pathologies: over-branching (excessive hierarchy), under-branching (insufficient hierarchy), misaligned branching (inconsistent structure), and rigid fractals (inability to adapt).
When to Use Fractal Pathology Diagnostic
Use when experiencing organizational dysfunction, slow decision-making, coordination failures, or resistance to change. Helps pinpoint structural root causes.
How to Apply
Check for Over-Branching
Look for excessive hierarchy creating bureaucracy.
Questions to Ask
- Do decisions require 5+ approvals?
- Are middle managers just information relays?
- Is org chart 'tall' with 7+ layers and narrow span (<4)?
Outputs
- Over-branching diagnosis
Check for Under-Branching
Look for insufficient hierarchy causing overload.
Questions to Ask
- Are managers overloaded with 15+ direct reports?
- Are there coordination failures between teams?
- Is CEO a bottleneck for all decisions?
Outputs
- Under-branching diagnosis
Check for Misalignment
Look for inconsistent structure across organization.
Questions to Ask
- Do similar-sized teams have different hierarchy depths?
- Is span of control wildly inconsistent (some 3, others 20)?
- Are communication paths to CEO highly variable?
Outputs
- Misalignment diagnosis
Check for Rigidity
Look for ossified structure resisting change.
Questions to Ask
- When was last restructuring (if >10 years, concern)?
- Is questioning org structure taboo?
- Do acquisitions remain siloed indefinitely?
Outputs
- Rigidity diagnosis
Apply Appropriate Fix
Match fix to pathology: Over-branching → delayer, widen span; Under-branching → add layers, narrow span; Misalignment → standardize span and depth; Rigidity → modularize, enable continuous reorganization.
Outputs
- Recommended intervention