Hierarchy in the Workplace
Some time back I attended a reception hosted by the Colombian embassy where I met the Minister Consul of one of the African embassies. The man, to me, seemed quite ‘high up’ but referred to himself as "The Obedient Servant”.
Some time back I attended a reception hosted by the Colombian embassy where I met the Minister Consul of one of the African embassies. The man, to me, seemed quite ‘high up’ but referred to himself as "The Obedient Servant”.
As long as he remains second in command he will always be at the beck and call of the ambassador. Power is distributed unequally in all societies, however societies differ in that some fully expect and accept inequalities amongst people, whereas other societies feel that inequalities should be minimised and everyone should be treated the same. This particular gentleman comes from the former, where there is a strict hierarchy in society, a hierarchy that must always be adhered to. The Netherlands on the other hand has a quite egalitarian society where everyone is (supposedly) treated the same and being ‘higher up’ (be it in the workplace, politics or the local community) does not automatically mean more status and privileges.
So how does hierarchy, or lack thereof, effect the work environment?
In hierarchical societies subordinates expect to be told what to do. They do not speak without being spoken to and they tend to do what they are told, even when they may not necessarily agree. In egalitarian societies on the other hand, subordinates expect to be consulted in the decision making process. They are expected to show initiative and come up with ideas themselves. Disagreeing with the boss is not uncommon. These are two very different ways of working, and fine if everyone is playing by the same rules. But what happens when you have a hierarchical boss and egalitarian subordinate? Or an egalitarian boss and hierarchical subordinate? Terms such as “disrespectful”, “bossy”, “rude”, “improper”, “cowardly” and “servile” come into play. Misunderstandings about expectations, and misinterpretation of behaviour on both parts are two of the many problems that can arise from such situations. Being able to recognise the role that culture is playing, and reconcile such differences is crucial when both reporting to, and managing those from a different culture.
So how does hierarchy, or lack thereof, effect the work environment?
In hierarchical societies subordinates expect to be told what to do. They do not speak without being spoken to and they tend to do what they are told, even when they may not necessarily agree. In egalitarian societies on the other hand, subordinates expect to be consulted in the decision making process. They are expected to show initiative and come up with ideas themselves. Disagreeing with the boss is not uncommon. These are two very different ways of working, and fine if everyone is playing by the same rules. But what happens when you have a hierarchical boss and egalitarian subordinate? Or an egalitarian boss and hierarchical subordinate? Terms such as “disrespectful”, “bossy”, “rude”, “improper”, “cowardly” and “servile” come into play. Misunderstandings about expectations, and misinterpretation of behaviour on both parts are two of the many problems that can arise from such situations. Being able to recognise the role that culture is playing, and reconcile such differences is crucial when both reporting to, and managing those from a different culture.
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