what is the chain of command

A chain of command is an organizational structure that documents how each member of a company or military unit reports to one another. It is a system used to ensure that each individual receives instructions for a particular task from only one supervisor. The chain of command tells employees who they should report to and when they should consult their supervisors with key information like project decisions. It also tells employees where they fit within the organization and what their remits are. Having a clearly established chain of command helps with decision-making and problem-solving within an organization. When everyone knows who is responsible for the different areas of a business, there is less confusion over who should make a particular decision or take responsibility for specific tasks. In a military context, the chain of command is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within a military unit and between different units. Orders are transmitted down the chain of command, from a responsible superior, such as a commissioned officer, to lower-ranked subordinate(s) who either execute the order personally or transmit it down the chain as appropriate, until it is received by those expected to execute it. The concept of chain of command also implies that higher rank alone does not entitle a higher-ranking service member to give commands to anyone of lower rank.