What is meant by Top Level Management ?
Answer – Levels of management are the different ranks of managerial positions in the authority hierarchy: top, middle and supervisory or operational management.
Level | Examples | Main responsibilities |
Top | Board, chairperson, chief executive, managing director | Set overall objectives and policies; formulate strategy; coordinate departments; assess the environment; ensure organisational survival and welfare. |
Middle | Departmental and divisional heads | Interpret top-level policies; prepare departmental plans; secure personnel and resources; assign work; motivate and supervise lower managers; coordinate departments and report results upward. |
Supervisory or operational | Foremen and supervisors | Oversee workers; maintain quality, safety and output; minimise waste; communicate instructions and workers' grievances; maintain discipline and working conditions. |
All levels perform management functions, but the scope and emphasis differ. Top managers devote more attention to overall strategy; supervisors concentrate on day-to-day execution.