Its more than just the CEO (or other high ups), even lateral communication is not without cost. As an engineer, my time is limited. I simply do not have time t

Its more than just the CEO (or other high ups), even lateral communication is not without cost. As an engineer, my time is limited. I simply do not have time to immidietly deal with every problem that anyone wants dealt with. The general rule we settled on where I work is to ask the relevant project manager first. If the project manager gives the okay, you can talk directly to the relevant engineer. Otherwise, your request will go on a list and be dealt with "at some point". Of course, in an emergency, you can still go straight to the relevant person. And everything is always an emergency...