1. Introduction -- 2. The longevity of hierarchy -- 3. A general theory of hierarchical social systems -- 4. Application of the theory : how hierarchy works -- 5. Socrates : the un-normal normal person who won by losing -- 6. Why things (almost always) don't change.

This volume brings together leading scholars in the field of organisation studies to reflect on the universal phenomena of hierarchy (vertical organisation of tasks) and bureaucracy (rule-bound execution of tasks), resulting in a colourful kaleidoscope of thought-provoking, critical and...