How does a hierarchy organize authority in a bureaucracy?

In a bureaucracy, a hierarchy organizes authority through a structured chain of command that facilitates coordination and control. This system is defined by several key principles:

• Superordination and Subordination: Authority is organized so that each unit or individual is accountable to a single superior at the next level. This creates a clear, vertical flow of responsibility.12
• Delegation of Discretion: Responsibility is concentrated at the top of the hierarchy and delegated downward. As one moves down the organizational structure, the level of discretion allowed to individuals typically decreases.2
• Jurisdictional Competency: The organization is divided into specialized units with defined roles. While this division of labour allows for efficiency and the mastery of specific skills, the scope of an individual's responsibilities generally broadens as they move upward through the hierarchy.3
• Rational-Legal Authority: Hierarchy is formalized through rules and standard operating procedures. These rules prescribe roles and relationships, ensuring that authority is based on expertise and legal standing rather than personal ties.41

By establishing these layers, the hierarchy acts as the "glue" that holds diverse units together, ensuring that organizational objectives are pursued through standardized, predictable actions.2