Chain of Command - Features

Features

Regardless of the degree of control or results achieved, and regardless of how the hierarchy is justified and rationalized, certain aspects of a command hierarchy tend to be similar:

  • rank - especially military rank - "who outranks whom" in the power structure
  • strict accountability - those who issue orders are responsible for the consequences, not those who carry them out
  • strict feedback rules - complaints go up the hierarchy to those with power to deal with them, not down to those who do not have that power
  • detailed rules for decision making - what criteria apply and when
  • standardized language and terminology
  • some ethics and key beliefs in common, usually enforced as early as recruiting and screening of recruits

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