Final answer:
The chain of command is the hierarchy of authority that places individuals or offices in charge of others, so that everyone follows a chain of reporting and supervision. In organizations, the chain of command ensures clear communication and accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchy of authority refers to the chain of command that places one individual or office in charge of another, who in turn must answer to her own superiors. For example, as an employee at Walmart, your shift manager assigns you tasks. Your shift manager answers to his store manager, who must answer to her regional manager, and so on, up to the CEO who must answer to the board members, who in turn answer to the stockholders. Everyone in this bureaucracy follows the chain of command.