chains of command
Organizational power ladders
Chains of command are the hierarchical structures through which authority flows in organizations, especially military and corporate ones.
Orders pass down the chain from superiors to subordinates; reports and requests pass up.
She went over her supervisor's head, bypassing the chain of command.
The plural typically refers to multiple organizations or branches, each with its own hierarchy.
- echelonLevel within hierarchy
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
- military hierarchyRanked authority in armed forces
- chiefTop-ranking leader
pecking order · structure · stratification · top brass · corner office · subordination · boss · authority · ladder · down the line · pyramid · span of control · directives · yes sir · lieutenants · delegation · reporting · organizational chart
- armyinfantry, cavalry, soldiers, artillery, officers
- Military Justicecourt-martial, court martial, military courts, JAG, military tribunals
chains of commandpeer networks
Connections among equals
adhocracy · collectives · anarchy · cooperatives · communes
chains of commandshared leadership
Governance by multiple equals
grassroots organizing · direct democracy · democratic processes · self-management · democratic participation
chain, command, chains, commanding, commander, commands, unchained, chainsaw, commanders