What term describes the order of authority within an organization?

What term describes the order of authority within an organization?

• A. Ethics
• B. Tasks
• C. Chain of command
• D. Vertical communication

Answer: (C)

The order of authority within an organization is described by the chain of command. This framework maps who has authority over whom and who reports to whom, creating a clear hierarchy from top leadership down to frontline staff. It guides decision-making, accountability, and the flow of instructions: decisions typically move downward through the ranks, while information and reports move upward. This structure helps prevent confusion, clarifies who is responsible for what, and provides a path for escalating issues. Ethics, tasks, and vertical communication describe different ideas—ethics are about right and wrong, tasks are specific duties, and vertical communication refers to the direction of information flow rather than the formal authority structure.

The order of authority within an organization is described by the chain of command. This framework maps who has authority over whom and who reports to whom, creating a clear hierarchy from top leadership down to frontline staff. It guides decision-making, accountability, and the flow of instructions: decisions typically move downward through the ranks, while information and reports move upward. This structure helps prevent confusion, clarifies who is responsible for what, and provides a path for escalating issues. Ethics, tasks, and vertical communication describe different ideas—ethics are about right and wrong, tasks are specific duties, and vertical communication refers to the direction of information flow rather than the formal authority structure.