What is run it up the chain?

"Run it up the chain" is a phrase that is commonly used in business settings and refers to the process of escalating an issue or decision up the hierarchical structure of an organization. It means that a lower-ranking person in the company raises a problem or proposal to their higher-ups. This phrase often implies that the lower-level employee has exhausted their options to resolve the issue on their own and is seeking assistance from their superiors to find a solution. This process is intended to ensure that important matters are handled by those with the appropriate level of authority and expertise.