Hierarchical conferencing

Highly structured meetings with clear, distinct hierarchy that is usually demonstrated by the mass seating arrangements, probably in rows, and elevated podium and an stage for speakers. Generally used in the following modes: a. Protocol and policy: These tend to involve a speech by an eminent person which participants must listen to, either as a gesture of respect, or for reasons of protocol, or as a matter of good public relations, or because it may outline new policies for the first time.

b. Exhortative: These tend to involve a speech by a respected person exhorting participants to some new effort, namely a speech by a skilled orator conceived as a means of arousing enthusiasm or of changing beliefs in support of some new action.

c. Information: These tend to involve a speech by some technically competent person in which new facts are presented, or the results of programmes, or a detailed outline of new programmes.

d. Administration: These tend to involve the presentation of annual or financial reports, election of officers, etc.

[Advantages]

These include the absence of restriction on the number of participants; the ability for those organizing the meeting to inform large numbers of some current situation; and the ability of participants to hear the views of individuals who would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

[Disadvantages]

These include the restriction on participant expression; the suppression of viewpoints not in accord with those of the organizers of the meeting, or at least not envisaged within the programme framework; and the channeling of participant expression via the podium rather than directly between participants.