ABSTRACT

EURAM's Book of the Year in 2020, Hierarchy takes readers on a journey which traverses how this idea has evolved, is understood in various disciplines, and is applied in practice.

Referring a wide range of sources, the book provides an inspirational introduction to understanding what is perhaps the key idea in business and management. As a fundamental organizational principle, hierarchy is everywhere. Perhaps because of its ubiquity, the significance of hierarchy has become under-analyzed in view of the growing strains on society imposed by organizational inequality. This book analyzes the advantages and disadvantages that hierarchy brings as a form of organization, providing an accessible overview of this fundamental idea within both business and society.

This concise book provides a useful overview of existing research, for both students and scholars of business.

chapter 1|16 pages

What is hierarchy and why does it matter?

part I|2 pages

Hierarchy in society at large

part II|2 pages

Hierarchy in organizations

chapter 5|24 pages

The downside of organizational hierarchy

part III|2 pages

The case for reform

chapter 6|11 pages

Hierarchy and the contemporary crisis

chapter 7|24 pages

Reforming hierarchy