Managers matter less than we think: how can organizations function without any middle management?

Abstract Are managers necessary for organizations? Could organizations function without them? To answer, we must separate between two questions: are top necessary? And middle I argue that larger prone to need someone have oversight of the wholeness and take responsibility its design development. Given dedication time commitment needed fulfill role, it is virtually impossible a organization any management. However, large with management frontline employees—but no managerial layers in between—is already much more realistic possibility. It typically requires having autonomous, self-managing teams empowered make all decisions related their own work, accompanied by certain structural solutions (often enhanced ICT) solving key information- coordination-related tasks traditionally taken care managers. Often specific coach roles also emerge. In principle, if working substitutes found managers, an can be functional successful layers. examine few examples such organizations, Buurtzorg Reaktor, while highlighting boundary conditions when, where, how succeed. conclude distinguishing structure hierarchy, arguing characterized high levels decentralization, functionality ensured through enough structure, thus combining low hierarchy adequate find most form organizing particular context.