Replacing Dominator Hierarchies

Year after year, surveys reveal that a large percentage of employees worldwide are dissatisfied with or unhappy in their jobs. But what lies behind this reality?

Many people point to poor leadership, excessive profit orientation, command-and-control management, and similar factors. However, are these truly the root causes, or merely visible symptoms of a deeper structural problem? In our view, they are symptoms. Based on our research and experience, the root cause lies in the dominator hierarchies within organisations. Dominator hierarchies, the underlying concept first introduced by Riane Eisler in her book The Chalice and the Blade published in 1987, contribute to a significant extent to unhealthy and unequal human dynamics in the workplace.

Dominator hierarchies grant an individual person by sheer coincidence the right to rule over other people.
Dominator hierarchies grant an individual person by sheer coincidence the right to unequally distribute wealth by awarding themselves higher salaries and greater salary increases than their subordinates.
Dominator hierarchies grant an individual person by sheer coincidence the authority to judge the competence and worth of others, often negatively affecting people’s self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing.

How can we continue to accept such unfair and unequal structures that damage the wellbeing and dignity of millions of people while simultaneously fuelling frustration, division, and social unrest?

Teal Organisations, Holacracy, Agility all are proven concepts that overcome those negative effects from hierarchies. Referring here as an outstanding showcase to the most famous and popular organisation Buurtzorg from the Netherlands, getting along with more than 14.000 professionals without hierarchies.

Join us in changing the business world, redefining common leadership, creating wellbeing organisations, and fostering happy people workplaces. HAANA Institute for Leadership and Wellbeing exists to redefine leadership and business education by placing human flourishing, dignity, and wellbeing at the centre of strategy, culture, and decision-making.

Jürgen Mohr
– Co-Founder at HAANA Institute for Leadership and Wellbeing –
– Program Development and Student Communication –