hierarchy
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈhaɪərɑːki/ usplural hierarchiesa system in which the people within a company or organization are organized into levels according to the authority they have:
Every organization has a hierarchy, and trying to understand that, and the systems and processes of the organization, is important.
corporate/management/organizational/political, etc. hierachy Many kinds of work are more easily and cheaply managed in corporate hierarchies than by individuals doing deals in the market.
the people in the upper levels of a company or organization who control it:
When the recommendations had been submitted and approved by the hierarchy, teams were established to manage the process of implementing them.
See also
Maslow's hierarchy of needs