What are the advantages short chain of command?

Answer 1

"Chain of command" is a military term that has seeped into public life. It is a system that is probably the best way to run a military. There are strict lines of authority and discipline in place, in order to cope with war. In war, there is often little time to contemplate actions and inactions, so having systems set up and running properly is the best and most efficient way to cope with emergencies that can arise with no notice whatsoever. Even soldiers not engaged in active war must follow strict authority and discipline in order to be ready for whatever comes up.

When military personnel leave the military, it is often difficult for them to transfer to non-military life. This is why many non-military government and private offices seem to talk in military terms. The ex-military people want to continue the efficient, disciplined way of life they are used to. That can create a lot of stress for people who have never been in the mililtary. Ex-military people tend to treat every item of daily life as an emergency, and it's just not necessary. Office time can be organized in a non-military setting for planning, maintenance and daily, routine tasks without making everything an emergency.

See wikipedia for an interesting discussion of how chain of command works within the military.