Hierarchy and the Case of Indian Academia

Universities and research institutions perpetuate rigid academic hierarchies for a variety of reasons, including tradition, the need for clear lines of authority, and the belief that it is necessary for efficient functioning.However, organizational structure and culture are known to have a huge impact on productivity.Traditional academic hierarchical structures in academic institutions can have negative effects, such as hindering the free flow of ideas, limiting opportunities for junior faculty, and creating a culture of competition rather than collaboration.Here, we discuss the consequences of a rigid hierarchical system on academic research, particularly in the Indian context.