**Level of Management: Middle Management**

**Explanation:**

In a garment factory, Karthik's role as a plant supervisor falls under the category of middle management. Middle management is the layer of management that acts as a link between top-level management (senior executives) and lower-level employees. They are responsible for implementing the plans and decisions made by top management while overseeing the day-to-day operations of a specific department or section within the organization.

Below are the key reasons why Karthik's role as a plant supervisor is considered middle management:

1. **Supervisory Role:** As a plant supervisor, Karthik is responsible for overseeing and managing the activities of a specific plant or production unit. He supervises the work of the workers and ensures that production targets are met efficiently. This supervisory role signifies that he is part of the middle management layer.

2. **Intermediary Position:** Karthik acts as a link between the top-level management and the workers on the shop floor. He receives instructions, goals, and targets from the top management and then translates and communicates them to the workers. He also relays feedback and progress reports from the workers to the higher-level management. This intermediary position places him in middle management.

3. **Decision Implementation:** Middle managers like Karthik are responsible for implementing the decisions made by top-level management. They translate the strategic plans and objectives into actionable tasks and allocate resources accordingly. Karthik ensures that the production processes are carried out smoothly and efficiently based on the decisions made by higher management.

4. **Limited Decision-Making Authority:** While middle managers have some decision-making authority, it is usually limited to their specific department or area of responsibility. Karthik may have the power to make decisions related to production scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control within his plant. However, major strategic decisions are typically made by top-level executives.

5. **Supervision of Employees:** As a plant supervisor, Karthik is responsible for managing and supervising a team of workers. He provides guidance, trains new employees, monitors performance, and addresses any issues or conflicts that may arise. This people management aspect is a central characteristic of middle management.

In conclusion, Karthik's role as a plant supervisor in the garment factory aligns with the responsibilities and characteristics of middle management. He acts as a link between top-level management and workers, implements decisions, supervises employees, and plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the production processes.

Lower level or supervisory level