The Pecking Order or the Chain of Command

The pecking order is the structured, rational and lawful way of doing things, much like a tablet of commandments for religious folk. People know where they are on the ladder, where their superiors, inferiors, sworn enemies, and competitors are on the mighty chain of command chart. And you know where they all should rightly be if you had your way. The beginner has the belief that their reward for hard work, commitment and playing the game is progression up the ladder. But sadly, the pecking order is really only an induction presentation illustration used by over enthusiastic human resources staff on new recruits. The pecking order exists as a structure for all to admire but in reality is a flimsy cardboard cut out.

Behind the facade is the power play of diplomatic favouritism and professional preference, the push and pull of interpersonal cohesion based on sex (or flirtatious desires), shared attitude and interest, and of course envy and any other frail human trait that seeps into the foray. Nothing is what it seems; the pecking order is not misused or used, because the real powers at play work in their own way. Once you break the charade and investigate what really happens and why, you can get lost in trying to understand why an organisation works the way it does. Once these powers have had their play, you’ll notice a change in the pecking order. Set out as a diagram you’ll see who has switched places, but it’ll never tell you why. It’s best to come to accept that people are elevated all the time to positions they don’t deserve. When is it your turn?