The term ‘‘Levels of Management’’ refers to line of differentiation amongst various managerial positions in an organization. The number of levels in management increases as and when the size of business increases and vice-versa. The levels of management can be categories into three parts:
a) Lower level Management: Low level management is considered as operative management. The first line/operative or low level management includes supervisors, foreman and Inspectors. They are a link between middle level management and workers.
b) Middle level Management: Middle management consists of departmental heads and other executive officers of different departments. They execute the policies framed by the top management. They are a link between the top management and supervisory or lower level of management.
c) Top Level Management: Top management is the 3rd line of management, which consists of Chairman, Directors, Managing Director, General Manager and other top-level executives required to achieve the goals of the enterprise. For example: Mr. Hazarika has retired as the managing director of a manufacturing company. He is said to be working at top level of management.
Functions of Lower level of Management
a) Representing the problems of workers: They represent the workers’ grievances before the middle level management.
b) Looking to safety of workers: Lower level managers provides safe and secure work environment for workers.
c) Control of workers: They assign duties to workers and guide them in handling their jobs efficiently.
d) Helps in controlling wastage of materials: They prevent wastage of materials by negligent workers which helps in reducing cost.
e) Ensuring quality standards by the workers: They try to maintain precise standard of quality and ensure steady flow of output.
