A chain of command is needed for accountability

By joseph kabuye

The last thing an employee wants to hear when they need something desperately is being told to follow protocol. Not all employees want to follow the chain of command, simply because sometimes it slows them down.

A chain of command is an aspect of organisational structure that is meant to show a clear line of responsibility from the top position to the bottom.

A chain of command is established so that everyone knows whom they should report to and what responsibilities are expected at their level. A chain of command enforces responsibility and accountability.

Sometimes the chain of command is not applicable. For instance, if a patient is going into cardiac arrest, then the hospital may not have the time to call the patient’s private doctor and wait for her decision.

If the patient’s life is saved and all turns out well then the hospital is off the hook. However, if a doctor makes a bad decision while breaking the chain of command, then the issue of who is at fault can become a finger-pointing contest.

Many companies implement a chain of command for workers to follow when asking questions or filing complaints.

An employee should always go to his direct supervisor with issues before reaching out to a manager farther up the chain.

When an employee refuses to follow the proper chain of command, it undermines the supervisor and interrupts company operations. Here under are some of the reasons why your company should enforce a chain of command.

Increased efficiency
Businesses that have numerous departments can benefit considerably from a well-structured chain of command.

With multiple supervisors in place to monitor individual staff groups, closer attention to detail, productivity and personal attention to employee performances are increased.

Assigning department managers to supervise employees and report to general managers or CEOs can save time and money and increase service quality and profit.

Organised communication

Communication between employees and management is a key component of running a successful business. When direct supervisors are in place to manage specific people, this provides a liaison between employees and higher management that can accurately convey information from staff members to higher authorities

Employee rights

Although you may always try to get along with your manager, and should address a direct supervisor with any work-related concerns, sometimes employees find that it is in fact the supervisor who is causing the problem.

When a chain of command management system is applied in the workplace, you often can combat a difficult, unreasonable, unfair or incompetent supervisor by going over his head.

It is advised to initially talk to your department head about such concerns, but when such efforts are futile you can always direct your concerns to your supervisor’s direct supervisor.

No matter how small or large your company is, the advantages of a chain of command management structure can keep your employees happy and your business running smoothly.

The writer is an industrial and

organisational psychologist