Span of Control 1.4.3

Span of control - is the number of people directly answerable to each person in the chain of command. The most appropriate span of control depends on the circumstances.

The size of a span of control depends on;

1. Experience and personality of the manager
2. Nature of the business. If being a line manager requires a great deal of close supervision, then a narrow span might be appropriate.
3. Skills and attitudes of the employees. Highly skilled and professional employees might flourish in a business adopting wide spans of control.
4. Tradition and culture of the organisation. A business with a tradition of democratic management and empowered workers may operate better in wider spans of control.

Tall organisations with narrow spans of control run the risk of slow decision making and distorted communication... but they can monitor staff more efficiently.

Flat organisations with a wide span of control can have managers which find it hard to manage their wide span of control of people effectively... but this can allow staff to take on more responsibility and become more creative and productive.

NARROW SPAN OF CONTROL

1. Allows for closer supervision of employees
2. More layers in the hierarchy may be required
3. Helps more effective communication

WIDE SPAN OF CONTROL

1. Gives subordinates the chance for more independence
2. More appropriate if labour costs are significant - reduce number of managers