Question

Hierarchy means ____________?
A. A graded system or arrangement of a person or thing.
B. Minor group
C. Major group
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint Hierarchy is derived from a Greek word called ‘hierarkhia’ which translates to 'rule of a high priest'. It provides a link between the entities either directly or in an indirect manner, often the link is twisted in such a manner that it is vertical or diagonal to the parent entity.

Complete step-by-step solution
The only possible direct link between hierarchical terms are considered to be either the ones that are the immediate superiors to the term or the ones subordinate to it. These links are supposed to extend vertically in either direction displaying links in the form of a routing map that showcases each individual entity as a link to another. It is generally useful in finding out the history or origin of a particular entity, wherein traveling upwards showcases superiority. Most commonly used in organizations, hierarchy defines the basic structure of that particular company and its employees in an easily understandable manner. Hierarchy is hence basically an arrangement of segments, items, and people that defines the position or authority of that particular thing.

Thus, option (A) is correct.

Additional Information The sub-groups of any particular segment is called the degree of branching. The different degrees of branching in a particular form of hierarchy ranges from linear to branching to flat and over to overlapping.

Note A hierarchy is typically depicted in the form of a pyramid where the height of each level represents that level's status and the width of a level represents the number of items at that level concerning the entire structure.