Definition: Span of control refers to the number of subordinates under the manager’s direct control. A span of control is a concept that describes the number of people that are managed by someone. It is a chain of command notion where the numbers of subordinates are properly identified to understand a manager’s reach.
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https://managementverge.com/narrow-span-of-control-advantages-and-disadvantages/Factors affecting span of controlThese are the factors affecting span of control:
1) Geographical dispersion, if the branches of a business are widely dispersed, then the manager will find it difficult to supervise each of them; as such the span of control will be smaller.
2 )Capability of employees: if employees are highly capable, need little supervision, and can be left on their own, e.g., Theory Y type of people, they need not be supervised closely as they are motivated and take initiative to work; as such, the span of control may be broader.
3) Capability of managers, an experienced manager with good understanding of the tasks, good knowledge of the workers and good relationships with the workers, will be able to supervise more workers
4) Value-add of the manager: a manager that is adding value by training and developing new skills in the workers will need a narrower span of control than one who is focused only on performance management (this is the reverse of the capability of workers point above)
5) Similarity of task: if the tasks that the subordinates are performing are similar, then the span of control can be wider, as the manager can supervise them all at the same time.
6) Volume of other tasks: if the manager has other responsibilities, such as membership of committees, involvement in other projects, liaising with stakeholders, the number of direct reports will need to be smaller
7) Required administrative tasks: if the manager is required to have regular face-to-face meetings, complete appraisal and development plans, discuss remuneration benefits, write job descriptions and employment contracts, explain employment policy changes, and other administrative task:, span of control may be reduced.
Business process streamlining, effectiveness, and efficiency can reduce the span of control.
Span of control is of two types:1. Narrow span of control: Narrow Span of control means a single manager or supervisor oversees few subordinates. This gives rise to a tall organizational structure.
Advantages:• Close supervision
• Close control of subordinates
• Fast communication
Disadvantages:• Too much control
• Many levels of management
• High costs
• Excessive distance between lowest level and highest level
2. Wide span of control:Wide span of control means a single manager or supervisor oversees a large number of subordinates. This gives rise to a flat organizational structure.
Advantages:• More Delegation of Authority
• Development of Managers
• Clear policies
Disadvantages:• Overloaded supervisors
• Danger of superiors loss of control
• Requirement of highly trained managerial personnel
• Block in decision making
