Understanding the Chain of Command: Decentralizing Authority and Linking Levels, Lecture notes of Communication

Download Understanding the Chain of Command: Decentralizing Authority and Linking Levels and more Lecture notes Communication in PDF only on Docsity!

The Purpose of the Chain of

Command

Purpose

This lesson defines chain of

command, and identifies and

describes the two purposes of the

chain of command.

Introduction

 A line of

responsibility and

authority extends

from top to bottom

 Relationships

between and within

sections are spelled

out.

Chain of Command Defined

 The chain of command is the system used to ensure that each individual receives instructions for a particular task from ONLY ONE SUPERVISOR.  A chain of command provides proper avenues of communication.  When a commander wants a specific task accomplished, a subordinate is given an order that is passed down the chain of command.  The chain of command varies based on the command involved. (i.e. Plt / School / Work)

Purposes of the Chain of Command

The chain of command serves two purposes:

1. Decentralize authority
2. Links the different levels of command

Decentralize Authority

 Since it is extremely difficult for one

person to supervise every task personally,

assignments are passed down through

the levels of command.

 This is called

decentralized

authority.

Link Levels of Command

 Another purpose of the chain of command is to link the different levels of command.  Go through each level of command in your chain of command one step at a time until the problem is resolved or the question is answered.

Rule of 3’s

Fire Team Leader Team Member Team Member Team Member

Rule of 3’s

Platoon Commander Squad Leader 1 FT 1 (^) FT 2 FT 3 Squad Leader 2 3 FTs Squad Leader 3 3 FTs

Rule of 3’s

Company Commander Platoon Commander 1 Sqd 1 3 FTs Sqd 2 Sqd^3 Platoon Commander 2 3 Sqds Platoon Commander 3 3 Sqds

Lesson Question

True or False: One of the main reasons for a chain of command is to ensure that each individual receives instructions for a particular task from only one supervisor? A. True B. False

Lesson Question

A chain of command provides proper avenues of ___________. A. Communication B. Authority C. Decision making D. All of the above

Lesson Question

Name two purposes of the Chain of Command.

Decentralize Authority

Link the different levels of

command

Lesson Question

What part of the organizational structure is highlighted in this diagram? A. Battalion B. Platoon C. Squad D. Company