Levels of Management in Small Businesses
In small businesses and teams, the management structure is simpler compared to large companies. Typically, SMBs have only one or two levels of management, with no middle management. In small businesses, management often occurs at a single level. As the business grows, specialized roles become more common to handle the increasing complexity and workload. This allows for more focused management and better support for employees.
Micro-enterprises: 1-9 employees
- Management often occurs at a single level, often business owner as a manager
- Sales & Marketing: Focuses on sales, customer relationships, and revenue generation.
Small Businesses with 1-15 Employees
- Owner/Manager: Often the business owner who oversees all aspects of the business.
- Operations Manager: Manages day-to-day operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Office Manager: Handles administrative tasks, office supplies, and general office management.
- Sales Manager: Focuses on sales, customer relationships, and revenue generation.
- Marketing Manager: Manages marketing efforts, including social media, advertising, and promotions.
Small businesses with 10-49 employees
- General Manager: Oversees overall business operations and coordinates between different departments.
- Operations Manager: Continues to manage daily operations but may have additional support staff.
- Office Manager: Manages administrative staff and ensures efficient office operations.
- Sales Manager: Leads a sales team, sets sales targets, and develops sales strategies.
- Marketing Manager: Manages a marketing team, develops marketing plans, and oversees campaigns.
- Financial Manager: Handles financial planning, budgeting, and accounting.
- Human Resources (HR) Manager: Manages recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws.
- IT Manager: Oversees technology infrastructure, IT support, and cybersecurity.
Managing People and Organizing Work in Small Companies
Effective management in small companies requires reliable information. Every line manager, regardless of the size of the department or company, needs accessible and accurate data, especially regarding:
- Processes, Work, and Tasks: Clear information about ongoing processes, assigned tasks, and workflow.
- Financial Information: Detailed insights into costs, revenues, and overall financial health.
- Property and Assets: Accurate records of company property and other assets.
- Personnel Information: Comprehensive data about employees, including their roles, performance, and development needs.
When a Small Company Grows into a Medium-Sized Company
- A turning point in management and organizational structure occurs when a company grows to around 50 employees.
- At this size, the company transitions to a medium-sized business, which involves changes in its organizational structure.
- Medium-sized companies typically have at least two levels of management: top management and lower management.
How you Can Manage your Small Business in Aptien
As a manager of a small or medium-sized company, you can effectively manage your direct subordinates through the organizational structure in Aptien. With Aptien, you can:
- Manage work tasks
- Approve employee requests
- View an overview of your team's tasks (under construction)
- Access personnel file, including personal information, onboarding, adaptation, training, and development plans
- Track issued work equipment, tools, completed training, and other relevant information
- Maintain an overview of all your team members