In the family of 3 brothers, the relationship between eldest brother and younger brother is not that good or they talk less with each other as compared to their relationship with the middle brother. In short, one can say that the middle brother acts as a bridge between elder brother and younger brother. In the same way in case of companies, it is the middle-level management which plays an important role and acts as a bridge between top-level management and lower-level management. In order to understand more about this level of management one should look at some of the important functions of middle level management –
Middle Level Management Functions
Bridge between Top Level and Lower Level Management
The first and foremost function of middle level managers is to acts as a bridge between top-level managers and lower level managers because top level managers do not communicate directly with lower level managers and vice versa which in turn make middle level management the most important level as without them there is the risk of complete breakdown of communication in the company.
Follow Top Level Management Orders
Another function of middle level manager is to follow the instructions given by the top level managers and pass it on to lower level management and that is the reason why they are accountable to top level managers for every action taken by them as well as by lower level managers.
Give Lower Level Management Orders
Middle level managers give orders to lower level management who in turn pass these orders to workers. In simple words, lower level managers are accountable to middle level managers for the work assigned to them by the middle level managers. Besides middle level managers have to ensure that work assigned to lower level management is being done according to plan and if there are any deviations than take corrective steps to ensure that work is done according to plan and within the stipulated period of time.
Maintain Harmony in the Company
Middle level managers have to ensure that they keep top-level managers as well as lower level managers happy because if lower level managers have any problems with top level mangers than they come to middle level manager for help and if top level managers have any issue with lower level managers than also they instruct middle level managers for immediate action. In simple words, if the task of maintaining harmony in the company as well as keeping everyone happy lies with middle level management and we all know that company cannot be successful if its workers and managers are unhappy.
Motivate Lower Level Management
While top level managers give instructions to pass work to lower level management but it is the responsibility of middle level managers to motivate lower level managers to do the assigned work with zeal and enthusiasm because sometimes even two lines of motivation can do wonders for the confidence of the workers and it is the duty of middle level management to keep motivating employees and managers to work hard for the betterment of the company.
As one can see from the above that middle level management perform some very important functions and that is the reason why no company can think of operating profitably without having a good team of middle level managers.