Hierarchy as a learning platform
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720610703515 |
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| Pages | 255-260 |
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| Author | Alex Bennet |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION
Hierarchy as a learning platform
Alex Bennet
Mountain Quest Institute, Frost, West Virginia, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to build a new frame of reference for exploring the value of
hierarchy as a learning platform as organizations move away from bureaucracies and toward complex
adaptive behavior.
Design/methodology/approach – Observations of the behaviors of horses and the hierarchical
structure within which they function are introduced to explore the value of hierarchy as a learning
platform. The concepts of bureaucracy and hierarchy are juxtaposed based on a literature review.
Moving to individual learning, functioning space is introduced and then extrapolated across to
organizations. Finally, these interwoven ideas are used to pose questions.
Findings – The paper posits that recognition of the distinction between hierarchy and bureaucracy
places us in a framework to reap the benefits of hierarchy in our thinking, talking and acting as our
organizations move toward complex adaptive behavior.
Originality/value – This paper discusses important distinctions between hierarchy and
bureaucracy in support of a learning framework. It also introduces the relationship of thinking,
talking and acting to our functioning space.
Keywords Bureaucracy,Leaders, Learning organizations
Paper type Literature review
Horses and hierarchy
Horses have a strong hierarchical social structure, one that simultaneously provides
the feeling of safety while honing their periphery awareness in terms of ensuring they
acquiesce to any horse higher in the pecking order. To “acquiesce” might be reactive
(such as moving out the way), or proactive (such as staying in the background or
taking a later turn at the salt lick). Generally, once established they seem to be
comfortable with their placement and the repetitive behaviors that come along with
that placement, with the subsequent consequence of few “reactive” events and
ever-increasing “proactive” behavior.
This keen awareness of “each” and “other” goes beyond the comfort of hierarchy.
The other day as I watched four of our Arabians stream down our mountain pasture
(different ages, different sizes, different places in the hierarchy of the herd), they
matched each other’s gaits, gliding in perfect harmony through the grass,
simultaneously stopping in an even line perpendicular to where I stood, turning 90
degrees to the right in unison, and arching their necks back to the righ t. Synchronicity.
As I stood in amazement (my first-born for a camera!) the only thing I could discover
that had caught their attention was a soft breeze coming from the direction of their
attention. Nostrils flaring and manes blowing, they held this pose for an unbelievable
ten seconds before each moved in their own direction.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
Hierarchy as a
learning
platform
255
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 36 No. 3, 2006
pp. 255-260
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720610703515
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