Management Levels (Prelims)

 Management level is defined as the line of demarcation various managerial positions in an organization , or it is defined as the number of levels in management force as it increases and vice versa, it can also be used to determine the direct chain of command within the organization.

Let us briefly tackle each level of management in order to understand the chain of command and authority bestowed and exercised by each level in order to gain a further insight and knowledge on each level.

Top level or Administrative level is the ultimate source of authority and it manages goals and policies for an enterprise devoting more time in planning and coordinating functions in order to control and coordinate the activities of all departments, it is also responsible for maintaining a contact with the outside world and  providing guidance and direction and has the responsibility towards the shareholders for the performance of enterprise.Consists of board of directors, chief executive or managing director.

The role of the top management can be summarized as follows 

1. Top management lays down the objectives and broad policies of the enterprise.
2. It issues necessary instructions for preparation of department budgets, procedures, schedules etc.
3. It prepares strategic plans & policies for the enterprise.
4. It appoints the executive for middle level i.e. departmental managers.
5. It controls & coordinates the activities of all the departments.
6. It is also responsible for maintaining a contact with the outside world.
7. It provides guidance and direction.
8. The top management is also responsible towards the shareholders for the performance of the enterprise.

Middle level or  Executory level  interprets and explains policies from top level in order to execute the plans on the organization in accordance with the policies and directives of the top management , it also  make plans for the sub-units of the organization even participating in employment and training of lower management but they devote more time to organizational and directional functions. In small organization, there is only one layer of middle level of management but in big enterprises, there may be senior and junior middle level management.

Consists of branch of managers and departmental managers.

The role of the middle management can be summarized as follows 

1. They execute the plans of the organization in accordance with the policies and directives of the top management.
2. They make plans for the sub-units of the organization.
3. They participate in employment & training of lower level management.
4. They interpret and explain policies from top level management to lower level.
5. They are responsible for coordinating the activities within the division or department.
6. It also sends important reports and other important data to top level management.
7. They evaluate performance of junior managers.
8. They are also responsible for inspiring lower level managers towards better performance.

Lower level or Supervisory or First line of Defense  refers to those executives whose work has to be largely with personal oversight and direction of operative employees which has the main responsibility of directing and controlling functions . they also assign jobs and tasks to various workers in which they guide and instruct workers for day to day activity responsible for the quality as well as quantity of production.They are also entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining good relation on the organization.

The role of the top management can be summarized as follows 

1. Assigning of jobs and tasks to various workers.
2. They guide and instruct workers for day to day activities.
3. They are responsible for the quality as well as quantity of production.
4. They are also entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining good relation in the organization.
5. They communicate workers problems, suggestions, and recommendatory appeals etc to the higher level and higher level goals and objectives to the workers.
6. They help to solve the grievances of the workers.
7. They supervise & guide the sub-ordinates.
8. They are responsible for providing training to the workers.
9. They arrange necessary materials, machines, tools etc for getting the things done.
10. They prepare periodical reports about the performance of the workers.
11. They ensure discipline in the enterprise.
12. They motivate workers.
13. They are the image builders of the enterprise because they are in direct contact with the workers.

The management level can be compared to a food chain or food web in which the highest or the peak position is feared by all but let us take into consideration not all the time that the top is always at the top sometimes those below can overpower and dominate those above them eventually causing a shift and a sudden change in the web or chain. Let us remember that this may apply to us that we should treat others accordingly and that we should never abuse the power and right given to us because if we mistreat others or act unfairly there might come a time that we will be below them and that they are above us.