Which of the following is not a task of the middle level management?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Integrate and coordinate the activities of different departments

Option (1) Assign duties to the personnel in their department — A task of middle management (Incorrect). A middle manager, such as a production manager, gives each person in his department the duties and responsibilities needed to carry out the plan.
Option (2) Integrate and coordinate the activities of different departments — Not a task of middle management (Correct). This is the work of top management. Only the top can see the whole organisation. It brings the different departments together so that they work towards the same objectives. A middle manager only cooperates with other departments.
Option (3) Motivate personnel to achieve desired goals — A task of middle management (Incorrect). The middle manager keeps his people willing to work towards the department’s targets.
Option (4) Interpret policies framed by top level managers — A task of middle management (Incorrect). Middle management is the link between top and lower management. It explains the policies of the top to the people below.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Levels of Management … (i) Top Management: They consist of the senior-most executives of the organisation by whatever name they are called. They are usually referred to as the chairman, the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, president and vice-president. Top management is a team consisting of managers from different functional levels, heading finance, marketing etc. For example chief finance officer, vice president (marketing). Their basic task is to integrate diverse elements and coordinate the activities of different departments according to the overall objectives of the organisation. …”

“(ii) Middle Management: is the link between top and lower level managers. They are subordinate to top managers and superior to the first line managers. They are usually known as division heads, for example production manager. Middle management is responsible for implementing and controlling plans and strategies developed by top management. At the same time they are responsible for all the activities of first line managers. Their main task is to carry out the plans formulated by the top managers. For this they need to:
(i) interpret the policies framed by top management,
(ii) ensure that their department has the necessary personnel,
(iii) assign necessary duties and responsibilities to them,
(iv) motivate them to achieve desired objectives,
and (v) co-operate with other departments…”