Hierarchy often gets a bad rap. Aren’t we all supposed to be equal and collaborate toward common objectives? Political and social equality are definitely good things, but in a business or organizational setting, someone has to be in charge and responsibilities, accountabilities, authority, and resources must be allocated in a rational manner.
Hierarchy enables a thoughtful balancing of tasks, functions, and resources. When allocated according to authority and competency, we can optimize organizational efficiency and effectiveness while maximizing individual initiative and accountability. This aligns everyone in the organization to the realization of its vision and the accomplishment of its mission.
© 2016 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes are permitted with proper attribution.