What are the negative features of hierarchy?

A hierarchy is an arrangement of items (objects, names, values, categories, etc.) in which the items are represented as being “above,” “below,” or “at the same level as” one another. Abstractly, a hierarchy is simply an ordered set or an acyclic directed graph.

A hierarchy can link entities either directly or indirectly, and either vertically or horizontally. The only direct links in a hierarchy, in-so-far as they are hierarchical, are to one’s immediate superior or to one of one’s subordinates, although a system that is largely hierarchical can also incorporate alternative hierarchies. Indirect hierarchical links can extend “vertically” upwards or downwards via multiple links in the same direction, following a path.

All parts of the hierarchy which are not linked vertically to one another nevertheless can be “horizontally” linked through a path by travelling up the hierarchy to find a common direct or indirect superior, and then down again. This is akin to two co-workers or colleagues; each reports to a common superior, but they have the same relative amount of authority.

The Five needs:

1 Physiological need is to do with the maintenance of the human body. If we are unwell, then little else matters unit we recover.

2 Safety needs are about putting a roof over our heads and keeping us from harm. If we are rich, strong and powerful, or have good friends, we can make ourselves safe.

3 Belonging needs introduce our tribal nature. If we are helpful and kind to others they will want us as friends.

4 Esteem needs are for a higher position within a group. If people respect us, we have greater power.

5 Self-actualization needs are to ‘become what we are capable of becoming’, which would our greatest achievement.

Three more needs

These are the needs that are most commonly discussed and used. In fact Maslow later added three more needs by splitting two of the above five needs.

1 Between esteem and self-actualization needs was added.

2 Need to know and understand, which explains the cognitive need of the academic.

3 The need for aesthetic beauty, which is the emotional need of the artist.