Hierarchical Model

Tree-Like Structure Applications

A tree-like structure can create a means of classifying individual elements into a system of related threads. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and complete method of organizing the elements so that any individual element can be classified. A particular hierarchy is defined based on a commonly shared characteristic among the elements of that grouping that is not shared by groups not part of that particular hierarchy.

Perhaps the most well-known application of this kind of system is the old (ancient) classification of the animal and plant kingdoms (with the associated, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species) that ultimately permits the identification [Page 661]of any living organism (theoretically) within a particular combination of elements. Because many other structures exist for classifying living organisms, some scientists use three, four, or even five different kingdoms to represent how to classify living organisms. Regardless of the number of type of kingdoms, the same goal exists: to have organisms sharing some characteristic in the various levels that are used to separate or define the various groups at each successive stage. For example, animals are considered separated from plants, but animals are diverse and may share few other characteristics, other than the common feature required for all elements of the animal kingdom.

The original system applied to the animal kingdom, introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1735, detailed the physical or observable differences in structure among elements, with the organization stressing such elements. Newer systems developed by Thomas Cavalier-Smith and others focus more on issues of genetic material, largely RNA sequences to determine classifications. The question of how many elements to include in a classification system depends on the degree different scholars view the basis of separation and their desire to combine or separate particular elements. What should be noted is that each of the various systems provides an alternative method of structuring or interpreting the same underlying material.

Similarly, in communication the desire to combine or separate issues such as conflict behavior (styles) or bargaining strategies plays an important role in determining what relationships exist among the strategies and how many distinct approaches exist. For example, is a person who bargains by making concessions more like the person who collaborates or like the person who avoids discussion during a negotiation? How much distinction exists among persons who avoid conflict versus persons who accommodate the desire of the other person in a conflict? The question of which clustering or organization to use for a particular hierarchy makes a distinct difference in determining the relationship among elements.

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