What is Hierarchical Structures

Since the second half of the year 1900, when the concept of organized crime became a matter of scientific interest, the inherent complex nature of this social phenomenon has been reflected in a multitude of definitions, methods, and analytical tools. Today, the time of integrating the huge body of knowledge, accumulated over time, has come. This chapter identifies a new and promising integrative tool in the social network analysis (SNA). In this regard, three main themes will be discussed: Why is an integrated approach to the study of organized crime necessary? How could SNA assist the researcher in structuring and implementing an effective integrative approach? and, In which ways could SNA resolve issues linked to the integrative approach, and, vice versa, to what extent a systematic integrative approach could improve the quality of SNA applied to organized crime?