Follow chain of command 2.05 Understand and follow company rules and regulations to maintain employment Follow chain of command

Chain of Command – the line of authority within an organization Discuss the use of the chain of command to resolve issues or problems. Discuss the importance of following the chain of command. Chain of Command – the line of authority within an organization The Chain of Command begins with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) followed by senior managers, mid-level managers, then lower-level managers This kind of organization means that problems are addressed at the lowest possible level. Only problems that cannot be handled by an immediate supervisor are brought to the attention of higher-level managers.

Explain possible consequences of failing to follow the chain of command When employees frequently ignore the chain of command, it may affect the morale of supervisors and managers. Companies without a clear chain of command can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and chaos, which affects the morale of all workers in the organization. Poor company morale may lead to high employee turnover and lower productivity. The worker may be viewed as: having no respect for the structure that is in place. is a troublemaker. is looking to advance in the company without following procedures or earning the position. is a back-stabber. Consequences: Engenders a lack of trust among co-workers and higher-ups. Overlooked for promotions or better assignments. Work environment becomes tense. Reputation earned is not positive. Other department supervisors won't accept a lateral transfer

Describe situations in which bypassing the chain of command is appropriate An abusive manager may be reported through affidavits and documentation to the human resources personnel, who in turn will pass the information to the manager's supervisor. If corrective action is not taken in a timely manner, there are additional steps to document and submit that now involve more people in the chain of command. However, if the situation escalates to different levels without resolution, an employee may be forced to go beyond the company's walls to remedy the problem. Going beyond the company's walls: For safety violations and endangerment: OSHA For discrimination, civil rights violations, sexual harassment: Legal Firm, Attorney General For fraud involving government funding: Department of Justice, U.S. Office of Special Counsel. The Media. There are law firms that specialize in serving whistle blowers, but be aware that not all these firms are created equal, some are a scam and others have serious conflicts of interest depending on the companies involved.

Student Activity: Demonstrate techniques used to follow a chain of command Ask each student to develop a short report about the chain of command for a school-based enterprise, her/his employer, or some other local business. S/he should identify and draw the chain of command, explain the importance of following it, provide specific examples of when and how employees should follow the chain of command at that business, describe situations in which it might be appropriate for an employee to bypass the chain of command, and discuss techniques used to work through the chain of command on a daily basis.