The Hierarchy of an Online Gaming Community: A Study of the Managerial Structure of Syndicate Gamers

Extensive research was conducted amongst a First Person Shooter (FPS) online video game community called Syndicate Gamers. The research focused on their effective use of an organizational structure and managerial hierarchy; implemented and executed via the Internet. The research included studying Syndicate Gamers' managerial hierarchy as well as the roles and responsibilities of those occupying positions of importance within the online gaming community. From January 2014 – May 2014, the researchers utilized the participant-observer model to gather information about the staff positions of Syndicate Gamers. The results of the study showed clear delineation of roles and responsibilities within the staff structure, which allowed efficient execution of duties and tasks. In the event a staff member was unable to perform a task due to absence, the tasks and responsibilities were temporarily transferred, to an organizational superior, peer, or subordinate until the primary staff member could resume his or her responsibilities full-time.