The limits of management

As the 21st century approaches, firms will move toward becoming information‐based organizations. This change will be accompanied by a decrease in the number of organizational levels needed to run the firm. The compression of the organizational structure will approach four basic management levels, each of which will be bounded by specific limits of management activities. The role of each level will be more definitive, the relationship between the levels will become more purposeful, and the primary role of the individuals at each level will be associated with very specific activities. An understanding of the levels, the associated management activities and limits, and the changes that will accompany the structure transition is necessary if management is to successfully take full advantage of being an information‐based organization and the opportunities provided by the smaller number of management levels .