nygrl@..., a user from encyclopedia.com, asked this question on 4/22/2000:

I am writing a research paper on the similarities between the structure of bureaucracy and the structure of the mafia. Can you give me some information on the structure of the mafia? For example: the ranks, postions, rules etc.

Thank you.

mitch71 gave this response on 4/24/2000:

sorry to keep you waiting been out of town in response to your question the structure of the mafia is more like a loose military. the boss would be the four star general,the under boss would be the major,under him the lt.all the way down to the soldiers[street guys]who do all the actual work.