Level of Managers in anOrganization: Top ManagersMiddle MangersFirst-Line ManagersNon-managerial EmployeesFirst-line managers (or first-line supervisors) are those managers having the least authority and are atthe lowest level in the hierarchy of the organization. First-line managers are at the lowest level ofmanagement and manage the work of non-managerial individuals who are involved with the production orcreation of the organization’s products. They’re often called supervisors but may also be called linemanagers, office managers, or even foremen. They are directly responsible for the work of operating (non managerial) employees.Middle-level managers are those managers beneath the top-levels of the hierarchy and directly superviseother managers below them. It includes all levels of management between the first-line level and the toplevel of the organization. These managers manage the work of first-line managers and may have titles suchas department head, project leader, plant managers, or division manager.Top managers are those managers at the very top levels of the hierarchy who have the most authority andwho are ultimately responsible for the entire organization. They are those who are responsible for makingorganization-wide decisions and establishing the plans and goals that affect the entire organization. Theseindividuals typically have titles such as executive vice president, president, managing director, chiefoperating officer, chief executive officer, or chairman of the board.Management Skills, Knowledge and PerformanceA. Managers need a knowledge base. This knowledge base provides a context for the manager’sactivities. It can include information about an industry and its technology, company policies andpractices, company goals and plans, company culture, the personalities of key organizationmembers, and important suppliers and customers.B. Managers need three types of key skills to perform the duties and activities associated with being amanager.