Shadow Hierarchies: Mapping and Resolving Emotional Stratification in Organizational Communication

This whitepaper introduces a novel approach to mapping hidden emotional hierarchies within organizations that often distort communication, suppress innovation, and hinder psychological safety. Using the Emotional Visibility Design (EVD) framework, we identify tools to quantify and reduce emotional opacity in teams. Through simulated case studies, a multilayered methodology, and interdisciplinary synthesis across psychology, organizational science, and AI design, the paper proposes actionable diagnostics and implementation roadmaps for leadership to counteract silent stratification in modern workplaces.