Span of control in Management Concepts

INTRODUCTION to span of Control, DEFINITION, FACTORS AFFECTING SPAN OF CONTROL, 1) The ability of officers, 2) Availability of time for supervision:, 3) Nature of work:, 4) Plans for the enterprise:, 5) Ability and efficiency of subordinates:, 6) Techniques of control, 7) Degree of decentralization, 8) Service of experts, TYPES OF SPAN OF CONTROL, Narrow span of control and Wide span of control, Advantages and Disadvantages of narrow span and wide span of control

1. SPAN OF CONTROL Dr.C.Saffina , Bon Secours College for Women, Thanjavur

2. INTRODUCTION: Span of control  is the number of staff members that report to a manager. A higher number of reports per manager results in a flatter organizational structure and fewer opportunities for promotion. A lower number of reports per manager results in a taller organizational structure and more management direction and input.

3. DEFINITION: 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 number of subordinates are properly identified to understand a manager’s reach .

4. 1) The ability of officers: The very first and most important factor in determining the span of control is the ability of officers who have to manage. If they are very efficient and capable. They can control a large number of subordinates on the contrary. If the officers are less efficient they would not be able to control that much number of subordinates.

5. 2) Availability of time for supervision: The second factor which determines the span of control is the availability of time with the managers of higher cadre for supervision. If they have less time for supervision, they would not be able to control a large number of subordinates.

6. 3) Nature of work: The span of management is affected by the nature of work also. If the work is of a simple and routine nature, managers can control a large number of persons. On the contrary, If the work is more complicated, Managers cannot have effective control over a small number of employees only.

7. 4) Plans for the enterprise: If the plans of the enterprise are clear and stable, the managers feel it easy to control the activities of their subordinates. On the contrary, If the plans of the enterprise are not stable, it becomes very difficult for the managers to control the activities of a large number of subordinates.

8. 5) Ability and efficiency of subordinates: A very important factor affecting the  span of management  is the ability, efficiency, and willingness of subordinates.  If the subordinates are able and efficient and they are willing to coordinate with their higher officers, Managers can control a large number of subordinates.

9. 6) Techniques of control: The span of control depends upon the techniques of control also. If the techniques of control effective the managers can control a large number of subordinates.  On the contrary , It is the technique of individual supervision is used, the managers will not be able to maintain effective control of all the employees.

10. 7) Degree of decentralization: If there is an adequate decentralization of power in the enterprise, The managers can control a large number of subordinates because their burden of work will be light. On the company, If the centralization is not so much adopted, Managers will be able to have effective control over as a small number of subordinates only.

11. 8) Service of experts: If the service of experts is available in an enterprise, The number of subordinates under the control of one official may be more and if the services of experts not available in the enterprise. The number of subordinates under the control of one officer will be Limited.

12. Narrow span of control : An organization’s span of control can be determined by the number of employees reporting to the manager/ supervisor. A narrow span of control refers to a structure with few employees reporting to the manager. Wide span of control : This means a single managers or supervisor oversees a large number of subordinates. This gives a rise to a flat structure. Boxes define the label of managers or subordinates

13. A) Narrow span of control:

14. Advantages : A narrow span of control increases the level of contact between the manager and members of the team. The increased contact improves the ability to supervise activities carried out by the employees effectively, which may increase productivity.

15. A narrow span of control enhances communication between the supervisor and the team members. The team members can easily access the supervisor for assistance. Enhanced communication also helps in faster decision-making and problem-solving.

16. Disadvantages : A narrow span of control may be expensive to implement depending on the number of teams in the organization. A narrow span of control may limit the ability of team members to exercise independence in decision-making and problem-solving processes.

17. B) Wide span of control:

18. Advantages : Staff are empowered to make their own decisions and to carry out their own tasks without interference by managers. Less managers are required and wages are saved. Less levels of communication for decisions to pass through. High quality staff should exist.

19. Disadvantages : Managers may make snap decisions as they are looking after too many employees. Managers time will be at a premium. Managers will have less time for planning. Subordinates may make decisions they are not trained to make.

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