Why did Mikasa's commanders stand in an exposed position?

Why put admirals and senior officers in one of the ship's most exposed and dangerous positions during battle?

The position offered the most information through direct observation. Before radar and other electronic sources, standing there gave commanders their own view of the battle, despite the danger.

Mikasa's exposed command position gave admirals and senior officers a broad view of the battle. Before radar and other electronic sources, they depended on their own senses for information, hence the comparison with a combat information centre (CIC). In principle, a commander could remain in a protected room below and receive reports from lookouts above. The argument for standing above links better-informed decisions with responsibility for the crew. In this view, a commander who cares for the crew should accept greater personal danger than anyone else aboard to obtain that direct view. Sandbags provided some protection around the position, but officers still stood there exposed.