Behavior
Dominance Hierarchy
Social ranking system where individuals have consistent dominant-subordinate relationships. Reduces conflict costs by establishing predictable outcomes without fighting.
Biological Context
Pecking orders in chickens, alpha wolves in packs, and dominance relationships in primate groups all reduce costly conflict. Hierarchies are established through initial contests and then maintained through ritualized displays. Position often determines resource access and mating opportunities.
Business Application
Organizational hierarchies serve similar functions: clarifying decision rights and reducing negotiation costs. The question is whether formal hierarchy matches actual influence and capability.