The hierarchical structure of modern corporate offices can be traced back to 19^th century railroad companies. With vast networks of track stretched across the country, transportation magnates needed to designate clear lines of communication among their far-flung operations. A system of middle managers and regional executives eventually rose to prominence and ensured that things ran smoothly. Over the course of the 20^th century, businesses of all stripes adopted this top-down structure as their own, eventually leading to the Continue reading →