Which statement best describes a hierarchy?

A hierarchy is best described as a pyramid structure of rising authority and responsibility. This structural model illustrates how power and decision-making abilities are distributed across various levels of an organization, with those at the top having more authority and greater responsibility than those at lower levels. This arrangement clarifies roles and maintains order within the organization, allowing for efficient communication and administration.

While it is true that a hierarchy can involve a clear-cut division of labor and that members can be experts trained for different functions, these characteristics are more about how a hierarchy operates rather than what defines it. The pyramid structure succinctly captures the essence of hierarchical organization and emphasizes the vertical nature of authority distribution, making it the most fitting description among the options provided.