HIERARCHY SOURCE

"Decisions Without Hierarchy: Feminist Interventions in Organization Theory and Practice", Kathleen P. Iannello. Published by Routledge, 1992

"One important element..from this configuration of hierarchy is communication. Some theorists believe this aspect to be of such importance that they define hierarchy as "centralized communication systems." Whether hierarchy is defined as a communications system or not, the flow of information up and down the pyramidal structure forms an important aspect of power, privilege, and authority relationships. In most instances, the possession of information or knowledge constitutes power. It is the possession of information, on one hand, and the deprivation of it, on the other that keeps the systems of domination in operation." p.16

"Theorists with the most positive view of hierarchy come primarily from the rational systems perspective. As one would expect, they view hierarchy as the most efficient means of attaining organization goals. The "essential elements" of the rational perspective are goal specificity and formalization. Specification of goals allows the organization to select among desired activities and design a specific organization structure to accomplish those desired tasks." p.18

"Hierarchy's benefits include providing the necessary structure for what is perceived to be efficient management. By specifying roles and coordinating tasks within the organization, more time is spent in working towards goals than in working out power and authority relations. This part of the organization is already a 'given'." p.18