A Middle Management Perspective on Strategy Implementation

Middle managers play critical roles in the implementation of organizational strategies. Yet, little is known aboutthe views of middle managers on the organizational factors influencing strategy implementation. This paper is anattempt to extend existing understandings on the organizational factors influencing strategy implementation fromthe viewpoints of middle managers, including the contribution of middle managers in the implementation oforganizational strategies and the challenges associated with the implementation process. Data were collectedusing semistructured in-depth email interviews with 12 middle managers. This research demonstrates thatmanagement style, strategic alignment, internal communication, and middle management contribution arecritical factors influencing strategy implementation.