Chain of Command: GCSE Business Definition

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Published

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1 minutes

What is the chain of command?

In GCSE Business, the chain of command is the formal line of authority that flows downward from top management to lower-level employees. 

The chain of command in an organisational structure

Organisational chart showing a hierarchical chain of command with one leader at the top branching down to three levels, each with multiple people.
A visual representation of a chain of command in an organisational structure

The chain of command defines who reports to whom and who is responsible for making decisions. It helps to establish a clear communication channel and maintain accountability within the organisation.

In tall organisational structures, the chain of command is very long, with many levels of hierarchy through which authority and communication must pass. In flat organisational structures, the chain of command is short, with authority and communication passing through few levels of hierarchy.

Chain of Command Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of chain of command further. 

Read our GCSE Business organisational structure revision notes or test your knowledge of organisational structure, including the chain of command, with our exam questions to improve your grades. 

Explore GCSE Business Revision Resources

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Author: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.

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