What is important is that instructions reach the front line quickly. Hierarchies help this as long as there are no blocks or distortion along the way.
Signs and signals are ways of communicating, including over distances. A well-managed communications network can get information in both directions, up and down the hierarchy, quickly and efficiently.
In business, communication up and down the hierarchy, let alone with peers, is often cited as a problem, including in times of change where misunderstanding of intent and realities can cause real problems.