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A top manager is an upper-level executive who guides and controls the overall activities of

the organization. Top managers constitute a small group. They are generally responsible for the

organization’s planning and developing its mission. They also determine the firm’s strategy and its
major policies. It takes years of hard work as well as talent and good luck, to reach the ranks of top

managers. They are president, vice president, chief executive officer, and member of the Board.

TOP MANAGEMENT

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

FIRST-LINE MANAGEMENT

OPERATING EMPLOYEES

A middle manager is a manager who implements the strategy and major policies handed
down from the top level of the organization. Middle managers develop tactical plans, policies, and

standard operating procedures, and they coordinate and supervise the activities of first-line
managers. Titles as the middle-management level include division manager, department head, plant

manager, and operations manager.

A first-line manager is a manager who coordinates and supervises the activities of
operating employees. First-line managers spend most of their time working with employees,

answering questions, and solving day-to-day problems. Most first-line managers are former
operating employees who, owing to their hard work and potential, were promoted into management.

Many of today’s middle and top managers began their careers on this first management level.
Common titles for first-line managers include office manager, supervisor, foreman and project

manager.

Operating employees are not managers. They are qualified and non-qualified persons
working for the organization. For their labor or services they get salaries or wages. They represent

the work force of the organization.