Managing in the middle: a review of the mddle management experience in the 21st century

Downsizing and organisational restructuring have impacted both the role and the number of middle managers in organisations. .This paper provides a review of recent research on middle management to seek an understanding of the current situation for middle managers as they face the start of the 2rt century. The literature review is presented in two parts - focusing on the position of middle managers as they emerge from downsizing, and drawing attention to the special circumstances for managers "in the middle". The research points to some of the challenges middle managers' experience as they work, live, and survive organisational life, as well as highlighting the need for ongoing investigation of their individual experiences.