chain of responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chain of responsibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of duties or obligations that are interconnected within an organization or process. Example: "In our project, there is a clear chain of responsibilities that ensures everyone knows their role and tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Effective TB-IPC requires adherence to measures which should be regarded as a chain of responsibilities, involving healthcare staff and decision-makers, as well as patients, and society [ 10].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Miles told the ABC the case showed the significance of his government's chain-of-responsibility reforms in protecting taxpayers from the costs of failed resource projects.

The Guardian

A casual observer would have been forgiven for seeing, in this picture, a coordinated response: a single, unified government fully in control, with a clear chain of responsibility.

The Guardian

The chain of responsibility was sometimes left unclear.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the chain of responsibility goes much further.

The New York Times

And, as in the case of regulation, it confuses the chain of responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Church lawyers, dubbed the Untouchables, alleged a chain of responsibility reaching up to the president.

The Guardian - Books

What's essential is an absolutely clear-cut chain of responsibility.

The Economist

But apart from that, all efforts to trace the chain of responsibility have failed.

Independent

Nancy Hwa, a spokeswoman for Handgun Control in Washington, defended the notion of a "chain of responsibility that the gun industry and gun owners bear for their product".

The New York Times

"We're counting on the state government and the chain of responsibility to help stop more projects being added to this list," Bragg said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a "chain of responsibilities", ensure each link (individual or team) clearly understands their specific duties and how they connect to the overall process.

Common error

Avoid creating a "chain of responsibilities" where multiple individuals or teams have overlapping or unclear duties. This can lead to confusion, duplicated effort, and a lack of accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of responsibilities" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a system or structure where duties and accountabilities are interconnected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar, denoting a sequence or network of obligations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chain of responsibilities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes a structured sequence of duties and accountabilities, common in professional settings like business, news, and science. To ensure clarity, clearly define each link's duties to avoid overlaps. Alternatives include "hierarchy of accountability" or "lines of responsibility". Using Ludwig's examples you can ensure the correct register in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hierarchy of accountability

Replaces the 'chain' metaphor with 'hierarchy', emphasizing structured levels of accountability.

accountability framework

Focuses on the structural system that defines accountability.

lines of responsibility

Emphasizes clear and distinct divisions of accountability.

responsibility matrix

Highlights a structured approach to assigning responsibilities.

system of duties

Focuses on the systematic allocation of duties.

sequence of accountabilities

Highlights the order and flow of responsibilities.

delegation of authority

Emphasizes the act of assigning duties and powers.

organizational structure of accountability

Focuses on the overall organizational design for handling responsibilities.

reporting relationships

Stresses the connection between individuals and their reporting duties.

succession of duties

Highlights how duties are passed on or inherited.

FAQs

How is a "chain of responsibilities" different from a chain of command?

A "chain of command" focuses on authority and hierarchy, while a "chain of responsibilities" emphasizes duties and accountabilities. The former dictates who reports to whom, the latter defines who is responsible for what.

What happens when there's a break in the "chain of responsibilities"?

A break in the "chain of responsibilities" means a gap in accountability. This can lead to errors, delays, or failures in the overall process. Identifying and addressing these breaks is crucial for maintaining operational integrity.

How can I clarify the "chain of responsibilities" in my organization?

Documenting roles, duties, and reporting lines is key. Tools like RACI matrices (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) can help visualize and communicate the "chain of responsibilities" effectively.

What are some synonyms for "chain of responsibilities"?

Alternatives include "hierarchy of accountability", "accountability framework", or "lines of responsibility", depending on the specific context.