The connection between two people is often described as a “relationship” or “bond.” The word “bond” implies that the relationship is based on trust and respect.
Every business must deal with relationships, but they can be very confusing. It is important to know how to evaluate and create the best possible relationships between your customers and yourself.
Summary Table
| Horizontal | Vertical |
| Both people are equal and both have the same standing | There is a hierarchical order |
| The people involved have a greater flexibility in the relationship | The people involved in the relationship have a greater dependency on each other |
| The people involved have more control over their relationship | Only one person has control over the relationship |
Aside from business relationships, there are also social relationships, family relationships, and romantic relationships. All of these are dependent on each other in some way. Relationships can be very complicated and sometimes confusing. It is important to know how to evaluate and create the best possible relationships between you and your business partners, friends, family, and even romantic partners.
In addition, there are also many kinds of relationships that are dependent on each other. For example, a horizontal relationship is one that is based on respect and trust. A vertical relationship is one that is based on control and respect. A person may be involved in both horizontal and vertical relationships at the same time.
The question is: how do you evaluate these relationships? What exactly that means is the difference between horizontal and vertical relationships?
In this article, we will discuss horizontal and vertical relationships. We will look at the difference between these two types of relationships, and we will discuss the implications of each.
What is a Horizontal Relationship?
A horizontal relationship is one that involves two or more people, where the relationship exists between two people, but they are of the same level. A horizontal relationship is a relationship between two entities that has no vertical connection. This type of relationship does not involve any level of hierarchy.
A horizontal relationship is formed when two people have some kind of commonality, but they are not related by any type of hierarchy.
A commonality between two people in a horizontal relationship can be anything. It can be anything that connects the two people together, like they are in the same line of work, or that they are members of the same club or organization.
The two people in a horizontal relationship do not need to be of the same age or social status.
In terms of a relationship, a horizontal relationship can be a business relationship, a personal relationship, or a friendship. A person can have several horizontal relationships at the same time.
What is a Vertical Relationship?
A vertical relationship is a relationship that exists between two entities at different levels. The term “vertical” is used because these relationships exist between entities that are at different levels in the hierarchy. For example, the relationship between a teacher and a student, or a parent and a child.
A vertical relationship is ruled by the principle of subordination. This means that there are hierarchy of levels that exist between the two entities. The relationship is therefore of a hierarchical nature.
How are They Related?
Now, before we start looking at the differences between horizontal and vertical relationships, let’s take a look at how they are related. The following are some similarities and rules that can be found between these two types of relationships:
- The People Involved
A relationship needs to have at least two people involved. If there is only one person involved, then it is not a relationship. If the relationship is between two people, then it can be either horizontal or vertical.
- What Happens in the Relationship
Both horizontal and vertical relationships need to have a reciprocal relationship. That means, the relationship needs to work both ways. There are actions that happen in the relationship, and there are actions that need to be done by the people involved.
- Both Have a Goal
Both horizontal and vertical relationships have a goal. The goal can be achieved or not, but it has to be there. A relationship cannot exist without a goal.
- Both Can Have Both Positive and Negative Aspects
Both horizontal and vertical relationships can have both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspects are things that are working in the relationship, while the negative aspects are things that are not working in the relationship.
What are the Differences?
Now that we have looked at the similarities between horizontal and vertical relationships, let’s look at the differences between these two types of relationships.
- Hierarchy
In a vertical relationship, there is a hierarchical order between the two people. It means that one person is dependent on the other person.
The dependent person has to give something to the independent person in order for the relationship to be formed.
In a horizontal relationship, there is no hierarchical order between the two people. In a horizontal relationship, both people are equal and both have the same standing.
- The Trust
Horizontal relationships are relationships that are more established. This means that there is more trust between the two parties involved in the relationship. This trust usually comes from the fact that the two parties have had more time to develop a friendship or business relationship. It is not uncommon for people to move into this type of relationship.
The horizontal relationship is one in which the parties are more likely to know each other for a longer period of time. They are more likely to trust each other, and they are more likely to feel comfortable with each other. In contrast, the vertical relationship is one in which there are rules and hierarchy. There is more respect for the higher up in the organization, and there is less trust between the two parties.
- The Flexibility
In a horizontal relationship, the people involved have a greater flexibility in the relationship. They are able to adapt to each other and make adjustments in the relationship. In a vertical relationship, the people involved in the relationship have a greater dependency on each other. They have to work with each other, and they are not able to make adjustments in the relationship.
- The Focus
In a horizontal relationship, the focus is on the people involved in the relationship. The focus is not on how high up in the organization someone is. The focus is on how well they get along with each other. This allows for more flexibility in the relationship, and it allows for the two people to develop more trust in each other.
In a vertical relationship, the focus is on what is between the two people. The focus is on what the person is doing and how well they are doing it. The focus is on the hierarchy and the position of the person in the organization.
- The Control
In a horizontal relationship, the people involved in the relationship have more control over their relationship. They are able to change things as they see fit. In a vertical relationship, only one person has control over the relationship. This person is usually the one who has more power in the organization.
