This page provides guidance on relationship directionality between domains in the Orthogramic Metamodel. It helps ensure consistency in how relationships are modelled, interpreted, and visualised across business architecture artefacts.
In Orthogramic, relationships between domains are directional. One domain acts as the initiator (source), and the other as the receiver (target). This direction reflects intent, influence, responsibility, or dependency.
Correct directionality helps:
Clarify business meaning
Improve reasoning and alignment checking
Avoid circular or misleading models
Some domains typically initiate relationships ("active"), while others are more often the target ("passive"). This distinction supports modelling discipline.
Active domains:
Strategy
Capability
Value Stream
Initiative
Policy
Stakeholder
Passive domains:
Information
Performance
Product
Service
Passive domains do not initiate relationships. For example, you should model:
Capability → Information : uses
Initiative → Performance : contributes to
...not the reverse.
From (active) | To (passive or active) | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|
Strategy | Capability | influences |
Capability | Value Stream | enables |
Initiative | Performance | contributes to |
Policy | Information | governs |
Stakeholder | Capability | owns |
While this page focuses on cross-domain relationships, directionality also applies to inter-unit domain relationships. However, in those cases, the emphasis is on organisational dependencies, so passive domains (e.g. Service) may appear as sources to reflect ownership or provision across units.
In visual diagrams and API data:
Always model relationships from initiator → target
Avoid reversing direction for stylistic or layout reasons
Use consistent verb types to preserve meaning