How do subordinate personnel break the unity of command?

Subordinate personnel break the unity of command when they take a problem directly to a higher-ranked officer without first discussing it with their immediate supervisor. This action disrupts the established chain of command, which is crucial for maintaining order and efficiency within an organization. Unity of command ensures that every employee reports to one supervisor, facilitating clear communication, accountability, and decision-making.

When personnel bypass their immediate supervisor to approach someone higher in the hierarchy, it can create confusion, undermine the authority of the supervisor, and lead to conflicting instructions. This disruption can hinder teamwork and compromise the effectiveness of the organization's operations.

In contrast, addressing issues through the proper channels—going to an immediate supervisor or utilizing skip-level notification—reinforces the chain of command and preserves the structure of authority, ensuring that problems are resolved efficiently within the established framework.