Hierarchical Organization Structure

Description of Hierarchical Organization Structure. Explanation.

Definition Hierarchical Organization Structure. Description.

A Hierarchical Organization Structure is a pyramid-shaped system that arranges the relations between the entities within an organization in a top-down way. Power, responsibility and authority are concentrated at the top of the pyramid and decisions flow from the top downwards. See: Centralization and Decentralization. The pyramid can be more steep or more flat. A steep pyramid has many layers of management, a flat organization has relatively few.

The opposite form of organization is a system of relations wherein the direction of activity is not fixed in one way (top-down), but flows back and forth between the entities involved. In other words, the parties must consent to each others direction of activity.

Hierarchical Organization Structures Forum (4)

Temporary Hierarchy is Upside-down
"The regular situational hierarchy in a small team is: section head - lead engineer - engineers.
When the section head is absent, one of the ordinary engineers is assigned as acting section head. So, the lead engineer becomes a subordinate for his former subordinate for the period of 2-3 months.
Is this decision correct? Will it impact on motivation of employees?
What do you think?"

The Downside of Hierarchical Organizations. Disadvantages
"On the down-side, if abused, a hierarchical organization will breed not only a lack of productivity, but an atmosphere of mistrust.
Abusive managers will utilize the hierarchy to assume maximum credit for success and blame their subordinates for monumental failures.
In theory, a think-tank of employees from each level in the hierarchy will increase problem-solving, team-work, and motivation/ ownership over organizational goals."

Why Hierarchy in an Organization?
"The purpose of hierarchy within an organization is to show the goal achievement path of the organization while maintaining zero defects, zero inventories and zero delay."