Hierarchical Influence in Military Decisions: Balance between Authority and critical thinking.

Abstract

The hierarchical structure in the Chilean Army, common in military institutions worldwide, has been essential to establish order and cohesion in strategic decision-making. While it provides clarity and control, it also poses challenges, such as potentially restricting critical thinking and promoting authoritative reasoning. This article addresses how this structure impacts decision making, exploring advantages such as consistency and coordinated action, as well as risks, including the limitation of independent thought. In addition, the need to balance authority and critical analysis is highlighted, proposing a comprehensive and balanced vision. The proposed hypothesis suggests that the hierarchical structure could hamper critical thinking due to the emphasis on authoritative thinking, offset by the accumulated experience of the leaders. It is concluded that, although the hierarchy provides coherence and control, it is crucial to promote a balance, encouraging adaptability and critical thinking in the face of the changing challenges of the future.