August 13, 2012

Levels Of Management And Their Functions

Level of management is to divide authority and responsibility of the organization among the various managerial positions. Basically management is divided into three levels in which different managerial functions are to be performed by different managerial positions holders who are named differently in different levels. Their authorities and responsibilities are different, however, they all perform well, effectively, efficiently and coordinately the corporate goals surely achieved.

These three levels of management can be studied as follows:

1. Top level management

Top level management is concerned with the broad policy framework and is related to develop attitude. It consists of board of directors, chairman, managing directors, strategists and alike. They are responsible for the welfare, and survival of the organization. In this level, the corporate goals, missions and objectives are determined and a detailed action plan and strategies for the same are formulated.

Functions of top level management

- To formulate and determine the objectives and define the goals of the business.
- To establish policies and prepare plans to attain goals.
- To set up an organizational structure to conduct the operations as per the plans.
- To provide overall direction in the organization.
- To assemble the resources necessary for the attainment of the policy and execution of the plan.
- To control effectively the business operations.
- To judge and evaluate the results.

2. Middle level management

The middle level consists of departments, divisions and sections, in which the respective chiefs, heads or managers are concerned with the tasks of implementing the policies and plans prepared by the top level management. They are the real subordinates to top managers. Being in the middle, the managers have to perform as a link between top level and lower level management.

   
Also Read: 

Functions of middle level management

- To implement the task set by top management.
- To interpret the policies framed by the top management.
- To run the organization effectively and efficiently.
- To cooperate for the smooth functioning of the organization.
- To coordinate between different departments.
- To recruit, select and train the employees for better functioning of the departments.
- To issue the instructions to the lower level management.
- To motivate the workers and staffs for higher productivity.
- To lead the department and build-up and organizational spirit.
- To report and make suitable recommendations to the top level management for the better execution of the plans and policies.


3. Lower level management

Lower level management is also known as supervisory level of management in which the supervisors and foremen and others like sales officers, accounts officers etc. take responsibilities of the implementation and control of the operational plans developed by the middle level managers. It is clear that the actual operations are performed in this level of management. This level is concerned with actual implementation and control of operational plans.

Functions of lower level management

- To issue the orders and instruction to the workers.
- To supervise and control the performance.
- To plan the activities of the sections.
- To direct and guide the workers about the work procedures.
- To provide on the job training to the workers.
- To arrange necessary tools, equipment, materials for the workers and look after their proper maintenance.
- To solve the problems of workers.
- To develop sense of co-operation and high group spirit among the workers.
- To advise the middle level about the work environment.
- To inform the unsolved problems of the workers to the middle level management.