Middle managers

27 Sep Middle managers

Middle managers (MMs) play a fundamental role in organizations. They are key actors in strateg implementation, they play a fundamental role in the transmission of the culture and values of an organization and, as human resource line managers, they can boost  productivity and innovation. In many cases, MMs alsoact as “umbrellas”protecting subordinates “by shielding them from what is of ten presented as excessive demands from top management above”. Subordinates, whose interests are, in  many cases, in conflict with those of their organization, also request MMs for resources, opportunities, recognition, etc. Consequently,  MMs’ position in the organization and the kinds of responsibilities they assume cause them to suffer top- bottom and bottom-up pressures.

Reference

• Ahearne,M.,Lam,S.K.,&Kraus,F. (2014). Performance impact of middle managers’ adaptive strategy implementation: The role of social capital. Strategic Management Journal,35(1),68–87.doi:10.1002/smj.2086.