Top-down (adjective)

1. Describing a process, approach, or method that starts from the top or highest level and works down to the lower or more specific levels.
2. Describing a style of management that is characterized by centralized decision-making and control from the top level of an organization.

Origin:

Mid 20th century: originally used as an adjective to describe a hierarchical organizational structure.

Examples:

1. The company uses a top-down approach to manage its departments.
2. The top-down design process starts with high-level requirements and works down to lower-level details.
3. The top-down management style tends to be more efficient but also less flexible.
4. The top-down approach to governance often leads to a lack of local autonomy.
5. The top-down planning process involves input from upper management and then trickles down to the lower levels of the organization.