Do you have to follow chain of command?

Ideally, everyone from the top down will adhere to the prescribed chain of command. However, there are instances when individuals will bypass the chain of command and initiate business communications with people two or more rungs above or below them on the hierarchal ladder.

Why is following the chain of command important?

Establishing a structural hierarchy within your business can establish expectations at every level. A clearly defined chain of command helps employees understand whom they should seek help from in certain situations. A breakdown in the chain of command can cause significant strife within your workforce.

How do you create a chain of command?

Creating a Chain of Command in Business

Establish a corporate chain of command from the outset.
Communicate with the team.
Get buy-in.
Stay informed.As a boss, it’s your responsibility to know what you employees know, and what they are doing.
Provide leadership to all staff.

What is the example of chain command?

The definition of a chain of command is an official hierarchy of authority that dictates who is in charge of whom and of whom permission must be asked. An example of chain of command is when an employee reports to a manager who reports to a senior manager who reports to the vice president who reports to the CEO.

What is jumping the chain of command?

Don’t jump! There are also situations when someone will skip their immediate supervisor or subordinate, known as “jumping the chain of command,” and it’s usually a very bad idea. A brigade commander who issues orders directly to company commanders risks putting them a situation where they may have conflicting orders.

When to forward a problem up the chain of command?

If the problem cannot be resolved at that stratum, it is forwarded up the chain-of-command. In other words, issues are most effectively dealt with at the lowest possible level, elevating only if the immediate supervisor cannot provide a satisfactory resolution.

What does it mean to have a chain of command?

Chain of command refers to an organization’s hierarchy of reporting relationships – from the bottom to the top – regarding who answers to whom, who reports to whom and who supervises whom. The chain of command not only establishes accountability, it also lays out an organization’s lines of authority and decision-making responsibility.

When is bypassing the chain of command OK?

There’s no violation of protocol when those higher up listen to anyone in their organization. The violation of protocol happens when those higher up bypass intermediate managers when giving assignments.

What happens if you ignore the chain of command?

Ignoring Chain of Command Reflects Poorly on You. Jumping the chain of command not only looks bad to your immediate supervisor but also to the person you approached. CEOs, VPs, and COOs don’t have time to field every employee complaint.

Where did the idea of chain of command come from?

Chain of command thinking originated in an industrial age when work involved more rote activities, less information, and communication options were limited, Decision making and authority were clearly placed in the hands of a few individuals at or near the top of an organization chart.

Is it easy to transition to a chain of command?

You’ll likely find that a once ideal, flat organizational structure and informal communication flow now creates a chaotic and inefficient work environment. However, transitioning to a more formal hierarchy and established chain of command isn’t always easy for you or your employees.

Do you have a chain of command in your business?

If it works in the Army where lives are at stake, it will prove invaluable in your business structure as well. The chain-of-command in different organizations varies, but should resemble the following: And finally, if the owner is involved in the on-site operations, the COO reports to the owner.