it is not about reducing cost. middle management reduces sales. the old chain of command system is dead!!!! computers, harmony between department employees, just in time delivery, transfer of surpluses, and more advancements that get rid of middle management. yes. old chain of command.;you told a low level manager about anything. he barked back. or sent it up the chain. weeks later a reply. as time and money fly out the window. you reply. more defects shipped. more surpluses. more middle managers to find out the problems. bottom of the chain gets blamed and fired. computer harmony is replacing the chain of command where labor dragged the ball of responsibility.