Abstract

In a paper by Parker in Organization Studies Lucifer is showcased as an exemplary hero dislocating the tyrannical hierarchy in the angelic order. The author argues that malign aspects of organizational hierarchy were instilled into society insidiously throughout the centuries and are now taken for granted. To Parker, and many contemporary thinkers, organizational hierarchy is inherently destructive in any shape or form. It needs to be placed back into history, where it belongs. However, I challenge this idea by arguing that first, hierarchy should not be regarded as one single, homogeneous entity. It is contingent, and its quality (good or bad) too is contingent upon a variety of factors. Secondly, following insights from the “hermeneutic circle,” I propose that decent interpretations of organizing and leadership need to consider texts (and things) both in their entirety and in their parts. A hermeneutic approach yields that Lucifer, as far as the Scripture is concerned, is not the anti-hierarchical hero we need after all. I explore Lucifer’s leadership tactics by means of a closer reading of the Judeo-Christian Scripture and invite theorists to turn to sound methodologies in their endeavor to evaluate organizational forms and leadership styles.