chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Bowman made clear that, notwithstanding the Fed’s sometimes opaque chain of command, she was in charge and expected examiners to get on board, according to people familiar with the meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal

“So, highlighting such a violation suggests that Zhang was out of step with Xi’s chain of command.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Demonstrations forced Ne Win's resignation, but Myanmar's military chain of command continued to Min Aung Hlaing, also rumoured to be motivated by superstition.

From Barron's

The McChrystal Group after-action report on the Eaton and Palisades fires found the county operated with “unclear” and “outdated” policies when deciding when to send evacuation alerts, and its emergency staff lacked training and a clear chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times

Policies and protocols on alerts, it said, were “unclear” and “contradictory” and did not explicitly outline the chain of command for decisions to issue evacuation warning or orders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure