The role of middle managers in strategy execution: a case study of BLOM Bank Lebanon

The management literature prominently focuses on senior leadership while neglecting theessential function of middle management during strategy implementation. This research performsan exploratory case study focused on middle managers of BLOM Bank in Lebanon, whichcurrently experiences significant economic, political, and social instability. The extremecircumstances in Lebanon create a special opening for studying the effects of middle managers onstrategy execution.Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression methods,while interview data were evaluated through thematic analysis and coding techniques. A surveyconsisting of closed-ended questions was distributed via email to thirty BLOM Bank managers forthe collection of quantitative data. The researcher acquired qualitative information through sevenmiddle manager interviews, which were held on a Zoom video platform because of COVID-19health protocols. The research instruments explored middle managers' roles and problems whileidentifying the necessary abilities for strategic implementation.Research showed that middle managers position themselves as vital links that facilitate thesuccessful execution of strategic plans between senior executives and operational workers. Theunderstanding middle managers possess about daily operations and their group functions helpsmake strategic choices more realistic when they are involved in the process. The research alsoshowed that middle managers actively drive execution because they need excellent communicationabilities along with leadership skills. Research confirmed that professional development in theseareas delivered maximum effectiveness for middle managers. Research on middle managementrequires additional attention because the study shows organisations need practical methods tostrengthen middle managers' authority.