Managing hierarchy through organizational ceremonies: Insights from a disruptive event

Seeking flexible structures, many organizations today are abandoning the ceremonies of hierarchy. The idea is that removing dress codes, segregated workspaces, and formality with superiors will de-emphasize status distinctions and encourage members of different rank to collaborate freely. On the other hand, researchers show that hierarchies are often resilient because they are reinforced by external institutions such as professions and industry norms. This study explores the conditions under which ceremonial change helps flatten large, institutionalized organizations. We report on an inductive study of four Toronto hospitals in which scripted experiences of the medical hierarchy were undermined by a disruption. We find that disruption to the ceremonial system weakened members’ commitment to hierarchies, sometimes helping junior members bring their expertise to settings usually reserved for senior members, but at other times leading to tensions and conflict. Based on the findings, we propose that instituti...