hierarchy
HY-er-ark-ee
/ˈhaɪərɑːki/
A system in which members of an organization are ranked according to relative status or authority.
While often seen as negative today, hierarchies are designed to provide clear lines of communication and decision-making.
The story behind the word. The word originally referred to the 'rule of angels' or the ranking of priests. It wasn't until the 19th century that it was applied to secular organizations like businesses.
Word relationships
- ranking: Ranking is a list; hierarchy is the actual structure of power.
- egalitarianism: The belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights/status.
Commonly confused with
- bureaucracy: Hierarchy is about who is 'above' whom; bureaucracy is about the complex rules and procedures they follow.
Word family
- hierarchical (adjective): Arranged in order of rank.
Collocations
- rigid hierarchy
- flat hierarchy
- corporate hierarchy
Idioms & expressions
- pecking order
Example sentences
- "The rigid corporate hierarchy made it difficult for junior employees to share their ideas with the CEO." Describing a traditional company.
Memory hook
In a 'Hierarchy', the 'Higher' you are, the more you 'Arch' over others. Hierarchy = Higher-up rule.
When not to use
Don't use it for a simple list; use it for a structure of power or importance.
Fun facts
- The 'Peter Principle' states that in a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to their level of incompetence.
Related words
Explore more words
chain of command, peer, bureaucracy, supremacy, subordinate, command
Also appears in
- Religion & World Beliefs → Clergy & Religious Hierarchy
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Social Stratification & Hierarchy
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Caste Systems & Untouchability
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Division of Labor & Bureaucracy
- Student Life & Schooling → School Social Dynamics
- Work & Office Life → Coworkers & Office Culture
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