Functions of Management
The various functions of management are planning, staffing, directing, controlling, organizing, controlling, decision making, innovating, supervising, budgeting, reporting, etc. Designing the overall structure is termed as organizing which creates channels of communication.Directing is a process of getting people to work together by leading and motivating people to carry objectives for achieving better goals.
Taking corrective actions is termed as controlling. And, introducing something new is called innovating.
Determining various employees' requirements is staffing and it contains different processes like transfer, termination, promotion, layoffs, etc. Termination is defined as ending and layoff is discharging a staff because of a shortage of work. These all are the functions of management.
Levels of Management
The levels of management are defined as the arrangement of managerial positions ranging from top management to the lowest level which tells about the line of authority.On the basis of the level, the levels of management are classified into three headings. They are termed as top managers, middle managers, and lower managers.
Top Manager-
The top manager is known as the executive manager and works at an upper level of manager hierarchy. Some of the examples of top managers are Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice-president, Managing Director, General Manager, and Deputy General Manager, etc. They determine overall policies and strategies. They also appoint the key manager at the various middle and lower levels of management. Hence, we can say that they set a favorable organizational structure.
Middle Manager-
The middle manager lies between the top and lower managers which occupy the maximum numbers of managers in the organization. Some of the examples of middle managers are the operational manager, plant manager, divisional head, etc. They play the link between top and lower-level managers. They set various operational goals and appoint the required supervision staff. They also supervise various activities carried out by the lower manager.
Lower Manager-
The lower manager is also known as the operating or front-line manager. They are hugely responsible for carrying out day to day performances. Some of the examples of lower-level managers are the unit head, supervisor, etc. They implement various operational plans by maintaining discipline. They also report various problems faced in operation to the middle manager.
Similarly, on the basis of function, the levels of management are classified into two headings. They are known as the functional manager and general manager.
Functional Manager-
The functional manager is responsible for only one functional area. Hence, they are also known as functional specialists. The functional areas may be production, finance, marketing, etc.
General Manager-
The general manager oversees an independent operating division. And, on the basis of legitimate power, the levels of management are divided into two main parts. They are the line manager and staff manager.
Line Manager-
The line managers are those who directly involve in the chain of command and play a vital role in achieving various goals and objectives.
Staff Manager-
The staff manager is the one who provides advice for the line manager. They fully support the line manager and assist in legal matters.