EN
The paper examines problems in measuring the importance and ranking of objects (values, attributes) in hierarchies. Using the example of selected ultimate values and the characteristics of bank service, a comparison was carried out on results obtained through the application of an estimated non-comparative and comparative scales as well as two other comparative scales. Four groups of people distinguished on the basis of the stability of their opinions on the question of the importance of the objects under consideration and the ability to place it in a hierarchical order. Slight differentiation in the answers to the non-comparative scales and a lack of hierarchical structure among individuals from the groups with inconsistent opinions was discovered. A new method that enables a hierarchical structure to be revealed is presented. It can be applied to every group of objects (values, product attributes) even when there are numerous elements of the group being considered.