Hierarchy
Q. Critically examine principle of hierarchy in administration.
Discuss hierarchy as a principle of organisation
The literal meaning of Hierarchy is the rule or control of the higher over the lower . In an administration,
hierarchy means a graded organisation of several successive steps or levels in which each one of the lower levels is
immediately subordinate to the next higher one and, through it, to the other higher steps right up to the top.
According to Weber, “ the organisation of offices follows the principle of hierarchy, that is, each lower office is under
the control and supervision of a higher one.”
Mooney and Reily describe it hierarchy as the pyramidical type of structure which is also called ‘Scalar process’ or
scalar chain. In the word of Mooney, “A scale means a series of steps, something graded. In organisation scalar
means the grading of duties according to degrees of authority and corresponding responsibility. Mooney further said
whenever we find an organisation of the people related as superior and subordinate, we have the scalar principle.
According to Earl Latham hierarchy as “ an ordered structure of inferior and superior beings in an ascending scale.
The good chief dwells at the apex which with his terrible eye can search out the heart of his lowest subordinates and
mould their deed to his command. To J.D Millet “hierarchy is a method whereby efforts of different individuals are
geared together”.
According to L.D White “hierarchy consist of universal application of superior- subordinate relationship to a number
of levels of responsibility reaching from the top to the bottom of the structure.” Thus, Hierarchy is a scalar process
whereby large unit is grouped into pyramidical structure for direction and control of activity.
Illustrative explanation of hierarchy
B L
C M
D N
E O
F P
G Q
In the above diagram, A is the head of the organisation. The immediate subordinate of A is B and the immediate
subordinate of B is C. But C is also subordinate to A through B. This is true of all the other levels in the line, that D,E,F
and G. hence, order flows from top to bottom that is from A to B, B to C and so on. And communication flow from
bottom to top that is from G to F, F to E and so on. The same is true on the other side, that is , A to Q. the
communication between G and Q take place through A that is, it ascend to A from G and descends from A to Q in a
step by step manner. This is called communication through proper channel.
Feature of Hierarchy:
The basic feature of hierarchical organisation may be stated as:
● The entire administrative functions are divided into units and sub-units.
● All organisation are organised in the form of pyramid one below the other.
● Authority is distributed and delegated among the various levels of organisation.
● Each organisation observe the principle of communication through proper channel.
● All commands and communication came through proper channel and no intermediate level can be ignored
● All person receives orders from one superior and not from anybody else. This means the principle of unity of
command is observed.
● A person will not receives order from a person of lower status.
● A person who has given responsibility for a task will have authority commensurate with his responsibility.
Thus authority without responsibility is dangerous while responsibility without authority is meaningless and
these two are adequate combination.
Advantages/Merit
The following are some of the advantages of hierarchical principle in an organisation:
● It lead to clarity of leadership.
● It enable the fixation of responsibility at each level and in each post within organisation
● It serve as an effective channel of communication both upward and downward as it is based on universal
process of unity, command and control.
● It helps centralised decision making and prevents congestion of business at the top
● It simplifies the procedure of files because of strict adherence to the rule
● It secures movements of all personnel working at various units of organisation through the rule of proper
channel
● It ensures unity of command and thereby bind together the various units and division of organisation into a
integrated whole.
Demerits/Disadvantages
The following are some of the disadvantages of application of principle of hierarchy :
● It make administrative decision making as dilatory process. As file or proposal or communication has to pass
through all the channels. Howsoever, urgent the matter may be, it may cause delays of days and weeks or
even month.
● It does not contribute to reposition mutual class either in inter organisation or in inter personnel relationship
in the administration
● It provoke a caste system in bureaucratic setup.
● Hierarchy leads to delay in disposal of work
● It promote red tapism and corrupt practices which also rigidity in every administrative organisation.
● It discourages the initiative and drive of the lower level personnel resulting in indecisiveness and inefficiency
● It makes the organisation tall (overextended). Consequently, the personnel at the top lose touch with the
personnel at the lower levels
● It creates superior-subordinate relationship and led to inequality.
Conclusion
Therefore, there are inheret dangers of conformity to hierarchy. In order to overcome this defect, Fayol has
suggested a bridge across formal line of authority of the hierarchy so that subordinate officers in one department
may contact directly their counterparts in another department. This is termed as Gangplank. Thus, delay causes can
be avoided without violating the essential principle of hierarchy.
Thus, we may conclude that hierarchy as a principle has both merits and demerits but is to applied with caution. It is
the basic device both for achieving consensus and involvement of all as well as for realizing the goals for which an
organisation is established.
