Middle management is the intermediate management of a hierarchical organization that is subordinate to the executive management and responsible for at least two lower levels of junior staff. Unlike the line management, middle management is considered to be a senior (or semi-executive) management position, with respective salary and a package of benefits. Middle managers' main duty is to implement company strategy in the most efficient way. Their duties include creating effective working environment, administrating the work process, making sure it is compliant with organization's requirements, leading people and reporting to the highest level of management.
Since the late 20th century, Middle management is typically reduced in businesses and organizations as a result of reorganization and outsourcing. Such changes include downsizing, delayering and outsourcing. These changes are made in an effort to reduce costs and to make the organization flatter — subsequently increasing the employees responsibilities and flexibility.
A middle manager is a link between the senior management and the lower (junior) levels of the organization. Due to involvement into day-to-day running of a business, middle managers have the opportunity to report valuable information and suggestions from the inside of an organization. Moreover, the middle manager is a channel of communication within the organization, as they pass on major decisions of executives and the main goals of an organization to lower levels of employees. This contributes to better coordination between workers and makes a company more united.
Primary responsibility of a middle manager is to implement a strategy, created by the executive level, in the most efficient way possible. In order to reach the target goals, manager may adjust and interpret the initial plan. Other functions can be divided into three main categories:
Middle managers are in charge of facilitating any changes needed in an organization and creating an effective working environment. They administer day-to-day routines, monitors performance and make sure everything is done in compliance with organization's needs.