Who are the people below a manager in the chain of command?

• A. Subordinates
• B. Direct Reports
• C. Supervisors
• D. Directors

Answer: (A)

In a chain of command, the people who work under a manager are subordinates. This term covers everyone who reports to the manager, whether directly or through other staff. Direct reports are a subset of subordinates—those who report straight to the manager—so the broader term is used when asking who is below the manager in the overall hierarchy. Supervisors and directors sit at different levels in the organization, with supervisors often overseeing workers and directors operating at a higher tier above managers. So subordinates is the best answer because it includes all those who report to the manager, not just those who report directly.