A method of operation of a cognitive radio in a hierarchical group of cognitive radios, the hierarchy of cognitive radios including at least one master cognitive radio that has a higher position in the hierarchy than another of the cognitive radios in the group, consistent with the present invention, involves establishing a first operational policy for the group of cognitive radios; determining that the operational policy is unsuitable for use by at least one member of the group; and the master cognitive radio dictating a change in the operational policy used by the group to a second operational policy for use by the group.