 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in Polish. (August 2021)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
In ahierarchy ortree structure of any kind, asuperior is an individual or position at a higher level in the hierarchy than another (a "subordinate" or "inferior"), and thus closer to theapex.[1]
A superior generally has the power to approve or deny requests from subordinates, within the scope of the relevant organization. The superior may control the careers of subordinates; for instance, they may have the authority to give raises or promotions.[2]
Superiors are given sometimes supreme authority over others under their command. When an order is given, one must follow that order and obey it or punishment may be issued.[citation needed]
 | This sectiondoes notcite anysources. Please helpimprove this section byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged andremoved. Find sources: "Superior" hierarchy – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(January 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Superiors in different organizations may have different titles, roles, and responsibilities.
Inbusiness, superiors are people who aresupervisors.
In themilitary, superiors are people who are higher in thechain of command (superior officer).
Areligious superior is the person to whom acleric is immediately responsible undercanon law. Formonks, it would be theabbot (or theabbess fornuns); forfriars, it would be theprior, or, forFranciscans, the guardian (custos), forMinims, thecorrector; fordiocesan priests, it would be the localbishop. In religious orders with a hierarchy above the local community, there will also besuperiors general and possiblyprovincial superiors above the local abbot, prior, ormother superior. The priest in charge amissionsui iuris is called anecclesiastical superior.
