Hierarchical groups

The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for hierarchically grouping a community of users within in a directory structure. for hierarchically grouping a community of users within a directory structure. A hierarchical grouping system can include a collaborative context having a community of subscribers, one or more roles assigned to the subscribers, and one or more tools and resources configured for access by the subscribers the access being limited by the roles. The system further can include a directly having entries associated with the subscribers. Notably, the directory can have a single hierarchical structure. Finally, the system can include a mapping between the directory and the roles in the collaborative context. Notably, the collaborative context can be a named collaborative space disposed in a portal environment and the directly can include an LDAP directory.