The government's answer to nature's fury is a hierarchy of disaster co-ordinating councils, established at local, regional and national level.

ECONOMIST: No disaster in the Philippines

In the clique-filled world of secondary school there is a clear social hierarchy, and researchers at the University of Michigan believe they've found the formula that unlocks its secrets.

ENGADGET: Alt-week 7.28.12: social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humans-on-a-chip

The impression that the hierarchy is a closed, exclusive, all-male club must be dispelled, and the unique qualities of women harnessed to restore the reputation of the church.

WSJ: Daniel Johnson: A New Pope on a Pilgrim's Path

In these restructurings, in the hierarchy of the world of corporate finance, common equity is actually a lower-quality asset.

FORBES: Russ Certo On Capital Transfer, ZIRP's Downside, Concern in PRIME Market

Behind the warm and fuzzy facade is a merciless commercial hierarchy ruled by an oligopoly of carriers as indispensible as the local electric company--and with the clout to act like a bunch of bullies.

FORBES: Backbone Bullies

Respect is a hot-button issue, especially for people who feel threatened or not well-established in the social hierarchy.

FORBES: How to Detect Respect - or Disrespect: Body Language Quick Takes #7