Hierarchical Authority Provides Conflict Resolution Mechanism

When parties cannot reach accommodation on their own, hierarchical authority provides resolution. Superiors—parents, teachers, supervisors, senior figures—make judgments that subordinates accept.

This is not imposed tyranny but recognized legitimate authority. Parties accept that when they cannot resolve conflicts themselves, superior authority can and should decide. This acceptance enables definitive resolution rather than indefinite negotiation. When horizontal resolution fails in Japanese contexts, escalation to appropriate authority may resolve what parties cannot resolve themselves.

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