Organisation design & structures · Core
Department
Also called: function
ELI5
A formal organisational unit grouped around a function or activity.
Used in conversation
“The people plan needs to explain how department affects roles and decisions.”
Pitch context
You will see “Department” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches organisation design & structures.
Why it matters: In organisation design & structures, the definition can change who is affected, accountable, protected or entitled to act.
Caution
Employment law and workplace practice vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
Sources & evidence · 2
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16