HIERARCHIES (Typology of)
Charles François (2004). HIERARCHIES (Typology of), International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 1541.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1541 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
B. WALLISER establishes in the following way a typology of hierarchies:
- “- Qualitative hierarchies in which various objects are classified according to the similarity of their properties in some homogeneous subcategory, various of which become in turn grouped in a larger category. This leads from a particular level to a more general one through various steps, by way of a subdivision link.
- “- Structural hierarchies in which various objects are collected according to their spatial proximity in some homogeneous subset, various of which become in turn integrated into a wider set. This leads from some micro-level to a macrolevel through various strata, by way of a subjacency link.
- “- Functional hierarchies in which various entities are submitted to the deciding authority of a superior regulating entity, various of which are themselves coordinated by a higher entity. This leads from an infra level to a supra level through various ”echelons“ by way of a subordination link.
- “- Genetic hierarchies in which various entities come from an original common entity by temporal filiation, various of these latter themselves coming from an older one. This leads from a former to a later level through successive generations by way of a sequential link (1991, p.72-3).
WALLISER shows in his paper how these four basic types of hierarchies show up in the most varied systems and gives numerous examples.