ABSTRACT
The ambiguities in the hierarchy of status call for several comments. First, we should ask at what level it is particularly visible. Modern theories have noted a kind of discord because of the opposition between hierarchical and functional status as far as the communication of messages and orders is concerned. The line of authority often appears to be broken, the power to decide is no longer so clearly allocated as it floats, so to speak, between those in charge of day-to-day activities on one hand and the headquarters in charge of the more or less near future on the other. Once this ambiguity has been observed, cause and effect must be investigated. It can appear to be the result of partial and unspoken compromise which, by leaving some management connections vague, gives employees a kind of ‘free zone’ and the most aggressive heads of department ‘private domain’ where they can use their discretionary powers. As for the effects of this well or badly used ambiguity, they can contribute to the flexibility of an organization or, on the contrary, they can slow down and hinder its efficient functioning.
