Answer:
D. lower-level managers, associates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Managers are organizational members who are responsible for the work performance of other organizational members. Managers have formal authority to use organizational resources and to make decisions. In organizations, there are typically three levels of management:
Top-level
Middle-level, and
Lower-level.
These three main levels of managers form a hierarchy, in which they are ranked in order of importance. In most organizations, the number of managers at each level is such that the hierarchy resembles a pyramid, with many more lower-level managers, fewer middle managers, and the fewest managers at the top level
Lower-level managers are also called first-line managers or supervisors. These managers have job titles such as: Office manager, Shift supervisor, Department manager, Foreperson, Crew leader, Store manager.
Associates are closer to day-to-day activities than any others in the organization. And since lower-level managers are often tasked with hiring, assessing performance, providing feedback, delegating functional tasks, identifying gaps, maximizing efficiency, scheduling, and aligning teams. And also are responsible for the daily management of line workers—the employees who actually produce the product or offer the service, they can shift from closely supervising work to coaching associates.
As the primary point of contact for most employees, lower-level managers must be careful listeners capable of understanding employee needs, removing blockers, and optimizing.