Explanation:

Middle level management serves as a link between top level managers and first line managers. This level of management plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and coordination between the top level and lower level managers. Let's understand in detail why middle level management is considered as a link between top level managers and first line managers.

Roles and Responsibilities of Middle Level Management:

1. Intermediary Role: Middle level managers act as a bridge between the top level managers and the first line managers. They receive instructions from top level managers and pass them on to the lower level managers. They also convey feedback and reports from lower level managers to the top level managers.

2. Implementing Top-level Decisions: Middle level managers are responsible for implementing the decisions and strategies formulated by the top level managers. They translate these decisions into actionable tasks and assign them to the first line managers and employees.

3. Coordination: Middle level managers play a crucial role in coordinating the activities of different departments or units within an organization. They ensure that the efforts of various departments are aligned towards achieving the organizational goals.

4. Communication: Middle level managers facilitate effective communication between the top level and lower level managers. They convey the vision, goals, and objectives of the organization to the first line managers and employees. They also provide feedback and reports to the top level managers regarding the progress and challenges faced by the lower level managers.

5. Supervision and Support: Middle level managers provide supervision and support to the first line managers and employees. They monitor the performance of the lower level managers, provide guidance, and resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise.

6. Information Processing: Middle level managers gather, analyze, and process information from both the top level and lower level managers. They use this information to make informed decisions and recommendations to the top level managers.

Conclusion:

Middle level management serves as a crucial link between top level managers and first line managers. They facilitate effective communication, coordination, and implementation of top-level decisions. Middle level managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization by bridging the gap between the strategic decisions of top level managers and the operational activities of first line managers.