Means of top-down influence (4)
I believe the answer is:
ways
'means of top-down influence' is the definition.
'ways' can be an answer for 'means' (I've seen this in other clues). I'm not certain of the 'of top-down influence' bit.
'means of top' is the wordplay.
'means' becomes 'way' (synonyms).
'of top' becomes 's' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'way'+'s'='WAYS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ways that I've seen before include "Characteristic features of behaviour" , "Roads; styles" , "Customs" , "Acting out a part" , "Manners" .)