Levels of Management

Levels of Management

The level of management in the chain of command determines the amount of authority and status enjoyed by any managerial position. Levels of management can be classified into three broad categories:

 

1. Top Management: 

Top management consists of managers at the highest level in the management hierarchy. This level consists of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive and the departmental heads. The activities of this level centers around establishing overall, long-term goals and ways of attaining these. Top management is also concerned with maintaining liaison with the outside world. For example, with government, trade unions laying down overall policies, and providing direction and leadership to the organisation as a whole. It is held responsible for the general success of failure of the organisation.

2. Middle Management:  

This level consists of departmental managers. The main function performed by this level of managers consists of linking the top and supervisory level of management. They transmit orders downwards and suggestions upwards. Besides, this level explains and interprets the policy decisions made at top level to the lower levels. They issue detailed instructions to lower levels of management and coordinate the activities of various units and divisions within the same department. Their tasks involve taking departmental decisions and inspiring lower level managers towards better performance.

3. Supervisory/Operative Management: 

The lowest level of management consists of first line supervisors. They generally have such designations as superintendent, section officer, supervisor, foreman, etc. They are directly in touch with the workers, clerks, salesmen, etc. This level is entrusted with the task of getting work done by operators or workers who actually do the work. The lowest level of management is directly concerned with the operative jobs and management of workers. There are no managers below this level. Managers at this level supervise the work of operatives to ensure that it is of required quality and is completed on time.  They assign jobs and tasks to subordinates, arrange machinery and tools, etc. and also assist along with advising the workers by explaining work procedures, and report the problems faced and suggestions made by workers to the middle level management. These managers are also responsible for planning day to day production within the framework provided by higher levels.