Final answer:
The four levels of managers include top management, middle management, first-line managers, and nonmanagerial employees. Each level has distinct roles and responsibilities within the organization's hierarchy of authority and chain of command.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the levels of management is C) top, middle, first-line managers, nonmanagerial employees. This structure reflects the hierarchy of authority within organizations, where each level has distinct responsibilities and accountability.
Top Management
Top management includes positions such as CEO, President, or Vice President. These roles are responsible for the overall direction of the company and setting long-term strategy. They answer to the board of directors and, ultimately, the shareholders.
Middle Management
Middle managers oversee departments within organizations. They implement the strategies set by top management and coordinate the efforts of first-line managers. They often have titles like department head, division manager, or branch manager.
First-Line Management
First-line managers are directly responsible for managing nonmanagerial employees. They are the shift managers or supervisors who assign tasks and ensure daily operations align with company goals.
The detailed definition and examples help to understand how each level operates within an organization's chain of command. The answer touches on the roles each level plays and how they interact with each other in order to fulfill the organizational objectives.