Multiple foreign keys in table linked to same primary key in another table?

Question

I have a database with a table named Managers.  It stores a record for each manager in the organization.  Some of those managers are Product Managers and some are Division Managers.

I have a Product Groups table that stores information about Products, including each product's Product Manager and Division Manager.  I do not want to create separate tables for Product and Division managers since all manager fields are the same. 

So I create relationships between the Product Groups table and two instances of the Managers table, as shown here.

Is this a viable approach for my table/relationship structure, or should I create separate physical tables for each type of manager?  Is there a better way to set this up?

Answer 1

Hi. You definitely don't want to create another table for a different type of manager, so you are doing it correctly. The only other "better" approach is maybe simply use the Employees table to get the ID for the managers, if they are also in the employees table. In other words, if the managers are also employees, then why create a separate table of managers?

Answer 2

Thanks for the reply and for the confirmation that this is an acceptable way to design the table structure.  I see your point about an employees table.  Thanks.

Answer 3

Hi. You're welcome. Good luck with your project.