chain of command

In business, the path down which orders and decisions are communicated, from the board of directors of a company at the top of the hierarchy down to shop-floor workers at the bottom. The shorter the chain of command, the faster communication is likely to be. There is also less likely to be misinterpretation of communication. A short chain of command also tends to motivate workers because they are able to interact with those in positions of authority and see their decisions being implemented by workers below them. The chain of command is usually depicted on an organization chart, which identifies the superior and subordinate relationships in the organizational structure.