strong hierarchy

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong hierarchy" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to an arrangement of people or things in which those at higher levels are given more power and authority than those at lower levels. For example, "The military has a strong hierarchy with the general at the highest level and the privates at the lowest level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"At the moment, it's like a paramilitary organisation with a strong hierarchy.

The Guardian

Moreover, the strong hierarchy of the consecutive steps in our approach makes the change of group clear.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Greer: First, we wanted to understand when it's ideal to have a strong hierarchy, and when it's better to let groups manage themselves.

Harvard Business Review

It was a hard regime but, looking back, all the players we saw cavorting on the terraces at Salford City on Friday night hold Harrison in the same reverence as they do Ferguson and clearly value the importance of a strong hierarchy that, if necessary, can put the frighteners on.

The Guardian - Sport

Collaborative communities do not have a strong hierarchy, but they do have agents or individuals who interact and follow protocols on a "commons" to achieve individual goals.

Journal of Organization Design

Mogahadam says, "I had all this paranoia that the crowdsourced explanations were gonna be shit, but if you have a strong hierarchy of reviewers, crowdsourced content can be even better than using professionals".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Indian businesses typically have very strong hierarchies.

The Guardian

There was an era in Silicon Valley when critics rarely voiced opinions on the unassailable Cupertino powerhouse, where strong hierarchies and control are woven into the corporate culture.

The Guardian - Tech

Because we live in a society with such strong hierarchies of class and status, it became a term not just used to express pure hatred, but to express where you want to be, where you want to live, where you want to send your kids to school.

Vice

We can answer: no longer only by the adversary we know, by the reactionary forces we are confronting, but also by a much stronger hierarchy that across Europe reaches up to the cusps of the government of financial capital.

Huffington Post

Immigrants from non-Western countries, in particular, faced shorter consultation times and a stronger hierarchy.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong hierarchy" to emphasize the rigidity and control within a system, contrasting it with flatter, more collaborative models.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "strong hierarchy" is always negative. While it can stifle innovation, it can also provide stability and clear lines of authority. Always consider the context and specific outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong hierarchy" functions as a noun phrase, where 'strong' modifies 'hierarchy'. It describes the nature of a hierarchical system, emphasizing its rigidity and the clear delineation of power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong hierarchy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a well-defined structure with clear lines of authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears in various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, consider the specific implications of such a structure and whether it aligns with the intended message. While "strong hierarchy" isn't inherently positive or negative, its impact on organizational culture and communication dynamics should be carefully evaluated. Alternatives like "rigid hierarchy" or "hierarchical structure" can be used to add nuances to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigid hierarchy

This alternative emphasizes the inflexibility and strictness of the hierarchy.

strict pecking order

This alternative suggests a clear and often enforced ranking system.

firmly established hierarchy

This alternative stresses the well-settled and stable nature of the hierarchical structure.

hierarchical structure

This alternative is a more general term, focusing on the arrangement into levels of authority.

hierarchical system

This alternative emphasizes the systematic nature of the hierarchy.

top-down management

This alternative refers specifically to a management style where decisions flow from the top levels down.

centralized control

This alternative indicates that power and decision-making are concentrated at the highest levels.

autocratic leadership

This alternative implies a single leader with absolute authority.

command structure

This alternative is often used in military or organizational contexts to describe a clear line of authority.

layered organization

This alternative highlights the multiple levels present in the organizational structure.

FAQs

How does a "strong hierarchy" affect organizational culture?

A "strong hierarchy" can create a culture of clear authority and defined roles, but it may also stifle creativity and open communication. It often leads to a more formal and structured environment.

What are the benefits of having a "rigid hierarchy"?

A "rigid hierarchy" can offer clear lines of authority, efficient decision-making in certain situations, and stability, especially in environments where quick action is critical. It can reduce ambiguity and ensure accountability.

When is it appropriate to implement a "strong hierarchy"?

A "strong hierarchy" is often appropriate in situations requiring strict control, such as military operations, emergency response, or large-scale projects where coordination and adherence to protocol are essential.

What are some alternatives to a "strong hierarchy" in modern organizations?

Alternatives to a "strong hierarchy" include "flat organizational structure", holacracy, matrix organizations, and self-managing teams, which promote collaboration, autonomy, and distributed decision-making.