According to the manager study guide;the term “Levels of Management’ refers to a line of demarcation between various managerial positions in an organization. The number of levels in management increases when the size of the business and work force increases and vice versa. The level of management determines a chain of command, the amount of authority & status enjoyed by any managerial position. The levels of management can be classified in three broad categories:
Top level / Administrative level
Middle level / Executory
Low level / Supervisory / Operative / First-line managers
Managers at all these levels perform different functions. The role of managers at all the three levels is discussed below:
Levels of Management
Top Level of Management
It consists of board of directors, chief executive or managing director. The top management is the ultimate source of authority and it manages goals and policies for an enterprise. It devotes more time on planning and coordinating functions.
The role of the top management can be summarized as follows -
Top management lays down the objectives and broad policies of the enterprise.
It issues necessary instructions for preparation of department budgets, procedures, schedules etc.
It prepares strategic plans & policies for the enterprise.
It appoints the executive for middle level i.e. departmental managers.
It controls & coordinates the activities of all the departments.
It is also responsible for maintaining a contact with the outside world.
It provides guidance and direction.
The top management is also responsible towards the shareholders for the performance of the enterprise.
management levels
management levels
Top Level Management:
The major functions of top level management is planning and organizing.
The top management determines the mission and sets the goals for the organization.
Its primary function is long-range planning.
Top management is accountable for the...