Hierarchy

• Hierarchy is an organizational structure in which items are arranged according to level of importance.
• In computer science hierarchy means how driver, folder, files are arranged in operating system.

• In computer science the hierarchy is also followed like memory hierarchy which separates each of its levels based on response time, complexity, performance and capacity.

Degree of branching

• Degree of branching refers to the number of direct subordinates or children an object has.
• Hierarchies can be categorized based on the "maximum degree", the highest degree present in the system as a whole.
• In linear hierarchy each object has exactly one subordinate and one superior.

• In 'branching hierarchy', one or more objects has a degree of 2 or more.

• A 'flat hierarchy' is a branching hierarchy in which the maximum degree approaches infinity.

• An 'overlapping hierarchy' is a branching hierarchy in which at least one object has two parent objects.

Types of hierarchy

Balanced hierarchy

• A balanced hierarchy is one in which all of the dimension branches have the same number of levels.

Unbalanced hierarchy

• A hierarchy is unbalanced if it has dimension branches containing varying numbers of levels.

Ragged hierarchy

• A ragged dimension contains at least one member whose parent belongs to a hierarchy that is more than one level above the child. Ragged dimensions, therefore, contain branches with varying depths.

Benefits of hierarchy

• Better decision making
In the hierarchy model, superiors are responsible for decision making. So because of this people are aware that which person is able to making the decision.
• Well organized
In general, a hierarchy is well organized and people are familiar with the persons either above or below them. They also be able to know that what are the responsibility of their for the organization.
• Prestige
As hierarchy who are at top they have great prestige and status
• Promotions
The workers from lower ranks have the benefit of getting promotions and advancing into higher levels in the hierarchy. This enhances motivation around the workplace as the employees know that only hard work is guaranteed to push them forward.

Disadvantage of hierarchy

• Power
A drawback of hierarchy is that it can create too much distance between business leaders and employees.
• Lack of collaboration
A major disadvantage to the hierarchy is that it doesn't encourage people to collaborate and share information across the reporting structure. People are more busy in there own department.
• Lack of innovation
Employee cannot share their innovative ideas to others.
• Limited team work
It create differences between different levels of people.

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