About the book: 2005 / HOW TO SUCCESS IN AN ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY Management science experts predicted the end of hierarchies. Even today, many pundits believe that these authoritarian structures are rapidly losing ground to horizontal network structures. However, anyone working in a large organization knows the truth: no matter how much flatter or team-based a company becomes, it is still a hierarchy, built from the top down and centered around a single boss. In his well-founded study of modern hierarchical organizational behavior specialist Harold Leavitt explains what causes this gap between management theory and the realities of working life. He examines how this gap affects managers attempting to act more democratically within authoritarian hierarchies. Leavitt argues that hierarchies have existed for centuries and will continue to exist, despite their obvious shortcomings. Even if they cause irritation, they still satisfy many emotional needs. Moreover, hierarchies remain the optimal and most effective structures invented by mankind to accomplish large-scale and complex tasks. Instead of continuing the pointless fight to destroy them, Leavitt suggests recognizing their inevitability and finding better ways to make them more efficient and humane. "Top Down" looks at how hierarchies have changed thanks to progressive innovations: from participatory management to analytical management to proactive groups. The book shows how managerial leaders can solve the puzzles that modern hierarchies present:• The need to cede power by empowering workers• Leading teams in organizations that reward individual achievement• Maintaining the integrity of self in an authoritarian environment that demands obedienceExploring the truth the state of today's work environment, Top Down is a thoughtful guide to creating productive, innovative organizations that are, among other things, fun to work for..