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What are chain of command in business management (Explain)

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Written By Pitch N Hire

Updated on Mon Mar 20 2023

chain-of-command
blog

Written By Pitch N Hire

Updated on Mon Mar 20 2023

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This article explains the best steps highly specialized to a chain of command in business management. Here, we will describe the efforts that can help the relationship between the members of each company.

A chain of command is a proper way to define communication and responsibility within a company. It is depicted in an organizational chart. The chain of command business meaning that founder, owner, or CEO will be at the top of the list, and the individuals who report will be displayed immediately below. This trend persists until any individual or level of work in the organization. With the workers coming and going, this hierarchy changes over time.

There is a chain of commands to delegate powers and obligations, inform staff about business news and build an information-sharing mechanism. It also ensures that every employee works for himself and that a senior leader offers support, encouragement, and motivation.

How does the Chain Of Command in Business Management matters?

It's all about roles and the importance of the chain of command in business management.

One of the most crucial reasons a company should establish a company chain of command is to ensure that employees clearly understand who reports to whom.

It helps keep an organization running smoothly by ensuring that everyone knows where they fit in the company and their responsibilities to their own team and the company.

The critical thing to note is that the more you have, the less authority you have and the further down the hierarchy of your status. Those at the top of the hierarchy have more power and can make critical decisions. They also have more responsibility for the organization's performance and all the people that fall within the chain of command in a small business. Since there's a typical chain of command structure in the hierarchy of an organization, the terminology used can be found to distinguish between companies. It defines members of a company's top- and middle-level management staff. 

Example: A company chain of command might include an intern who reports to an employee who reports to the company's manager. It goes on till the higher authority of the company.

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What is the chain of command in management in a company? 

It is a management structure of outlines of authority, decision making and communication with an organization. The flow of power from top of the organization, that is CEO or President , lower level manager, supervisor and employee.

What are Types of Chain Command?

Two types of chain of command are: 

Flat or Horizontal Chain of Command:

In a horizontal chain of command, your business has a flat structure, which means there are managers and more officials are granted to employees. This chain of command in business management makes employees feel qualified because they can make essential decisions without needing approval from a higher authority.

Vertical Chain of Command:

These organizations have well-defined roles with the level of leadership at the top management, followed by middle management and then regular employees. This determination often works from top to bottom, but work approval will work from bottom to top. Vertical organizational structures define a transparent chain of command in business management.

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Chain of Command Advantages and Disadvantages 

As with most items in a business, a chain of command is in place with some advantages and disadvantages. Take these advantages and disadvantages when choosing to establish or obey the existing chain of command:

Advantages of a chain of command:

Getting a chain in place is just some of the advantages that can be expected:

Increased Efficiency

If an employee tells only one person, they will work closely together, resulting in quicker communication and a faster solution to problems. Imagine, for example, a team member working to solve a customer query. Your director would probably have a greater understanding of your department's activities and how to solve the problem. The boss will give them helpful feedback faster than an employee who goes to the next superior director. If required, the supervisor will lift the issue to higher management.

Clear Direction

If a chain of command in the workplace is not in effect, different management representatives can instruct employees in dispute. A command chain helps reduce uncertainty or determine which director to listen to while carrying out a mission or project.

Accountability

Supervisors and directors work closely with their direct reports in a chain of command and are more familiar with the roles and tasks on which they work at all times. It will lead to improved transparency and accountability as workers lead to success.

Stability

Employees naturally have concerns or need job feedback throughout the day. They also need job objectives and someone to help them. The chain of command offers continuity so that certain things can be experienced. An employee knows exactly how to answer input and assistance and thus feels more managed and stable in his position at work. An employee often knows utilizing a chain of command the aspirations of their boss and the circumstances a manager has to participate in.

Structured Responsibility

Every employee in a chain of command has a set of responsibilities. Everyone knows what its work means and what it needs to accomplish its objectives with a chain of command.

Outside Understanding

Some names hold a certain weight outside the company with individuals. For example, an upset client might want to talk to a senior manager because they know that he or she can solve their problems more efficiently.

Disadvantages of a Chain of Command:

There are certain disadvantages a chain of command in the workplace can have. These are the disadvantages:

Slow Communication

If a matter, issue, or concept needs to take a few steps of the control chain to be addressed or approved by top management, it may take some time. It can influence how quickly workers can do tasks, such as finishing projects or solving customer problems.

Less Collaboration

An organization with a chain of command will work less together in the workplace as those at the top of the hierarchy set the requirements and regulations and require everyone else to meet them. Although central managers and staff may make decisions or have some flexibility in their jobs, the authority figures authorize it all and determine how the organization works. Furthermore, an employee can only get to know someone above his direct supervision if the chain of control is respected.

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Decreased Employee Empowerment

Without a chain of command, an organization would undoubtedly value the empowerment of its employees and give its workers the right to decide on their job or a situation. A command chain can diminish this employee's authority.

More competition

Decision-makers can compete with their peers across a chain of command since they feel protective of their workers and want to exercise control of their team. This could result in a mistrust culture amongst peer managers.

Chain Of Command in Organizational Structure 

The chain of command in business management is a widespread way to structure the authority levels of an enterprise. It is usual for different organizations, from customer companies to government bodies, to see the same chain of command structure. A business owner or CEO occupies the top spot in a chain of command as he holds the company’s top position. The next down step typically involves senior managers or people in a section of the company who are vice presidents. These persons inform the owner or CEO directly.

You may find individual managers or superiors at the upper management level responsible for a department or group of employees. Hence, these workers will demonstrate that the estimates of their authority were their immediate boss under middle management and at the bottom of the chain of command in management. Moreover, depending on how big an organization is, how many divisions it has, and more, many ways to break down the hierarchy further are also found. Depending on company needs, there can be more or fewer management levels.

The critical thing to note is the more you have, the less authority you have and the further down the hierarchy your status is. Those at the top of the hierarchy have more power and can make crucial decisions. They also have more responsibility for the organization's performance and all the people that fall within the control chain. Since there’s a typical chain of command structure in the hierarchy of an organization, the terminology used can be found to distinguish between companies. Some businesses define members of a company’s hierarchy with conventional words “superior” and “subordinate,” while others use “team members,” “employees,” or the actual employment names.

Conclusion 

This blog has explained the straightforward and secure methods for the chain of command in business management. Modern ways of organizational control are replacing the traditional chain of command structure. But one should consider the chain of command business and its types. You can use both methods side by side for better functioning of the organization and achieve success. Apply today and join our team Pitchnhire and register for a talent pool for future opportunities.

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