Scalar Principle
The management principle that there should be a clear line of command linking each employee to the next high level of authority, up to and including the highest level of management.
(Quinn, R.E., & Faerman, S.R., & Thompson, M.P., & McGrath, M.R., & St. Clair, L.S. (2007). Becoming a master manager: a competing values approach. New Jersey: Wiley.)