I don't think assigning a pecking order and then debating it is important because in my opinion, an Engineering Manager has the job of connecting the business t

I don't think assigning a pecking order and then debating it is important because in my opinion, an Engineering Manager has the job of connecting the business to the engineers. For this to work he/she needs to engage both. What to do when "conflicts of interest" arise is the measure of an Engineering Manager and where the line is drawn is defined by the individual at a personal level.