Managers can be categorized into 3 levels based on authority as follows:
Top managers
Middle managers
First – line managers
Top managers are the managers who are responsible for the overall management
of the organization, establishment of goals, strategies operating policies and supervising
the activities of middle managers
Middle managers are the managers who direct and control the activities of first line
managers and implement the policies, strategies and plans developed by the top
managers
First-line managers are the managers who supervise and control the activities of non
managerial employees.
Management Skills
Robert L. Katz has introduced three types of skills that should be possessed by managers:
Conceptual skills
Human (Interpersonal) skills
Technical skills
Conceptual skill
Conceptual skill is the ability to coordinate and integrate all of an organization’s interests and activities.
Top managers need the conceptual skills more than the other managers.
Human skill
Human skill is the ability to work with, understand, and motivate other people.
Human skills are equally important to all the managers.
Technical skill
Technical skill is the ability to use the procedures, techniques and knowledge of a specialized field.
The first-line managers need the technical skills more than the other managers.
