ech·e·lon 
/ˈɛʃəˌlɑ:n/ noun
plural ech·e·lons /ˈɛʃəˌlɑ:n/ noun [count] : a level in an organization : a level of authority or responsibility
▪ the lower echelons of the bureaucracy ▪ the industry's top echelon ▪ We heard stories of corruption in the upper/higher echelons of the firm.
▪ the lower echelons of the bureaucracy ▪ the industry's top echelon ▪ We heard stories of corruption in the upper/higher echelons of the firm.
