SPAN OF MANAGEMENT FOR BBA AND MBA STUDENTS

USEFUL FOR BBA & MBA STUDENTS

1. SPAN OF MANAGEMENT Dr. A. Suresh Kumar M.B.A.,M.Sc.,M.Phil.,PGDSEM.,DSCM., Ph.D ., Professor Saveetha College of Liberal Arts And Science SIMATS University, Thandalam

2. Meaning Span of Management (also known as span of control ) refers to the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager . It establishes the Manager–subordinate Relationship and determines the structure of the organization . 👉 Example: If a production manager supervises 10 workers, his span of management is 10 .

3. Types of Span of Management (a) Wide Span of Management A single manager supervises Many Subordinates . Creates a Flat Organizational Structure with fewer hierarchical levels. Advantages: Faster decision-making and communication. Lower managerial costs (fewer managers needed). Encourages employee autonomy and responsibility. Disadvantages: Risk of overburdening the manager. Limited personal attention to each subordinate.

4. (b) Narrow Span of Management A manager supervises Fewer Subordinates . Results in a Tall Organizational Structure with multiple layers. Advantages: Better supervision and close control. Managers can devote more time to each employee. Suitable for complex and specialized work. Disadvantages: More levels → slower communication and decision-making. Higher managerial cost (more managers required). Risk of excessive supervision leading to reduced initiative.

5. 3. Factors Affecting Span of Management Nature of Work – Routine, simple work → wide span; complex work → narrow span. Manager’s Competence – Experienced And Skilled Managers can handle wider spans. Subordinate’s Competence – Skilled, independent employees require less supervision, enabling wider span. Use of Technology – Modern communication tools and MIS systems support wider span. Level of Management – Top level: Narrow span (strategic, complex work). Middle/lower level: Wider span (operational work). Geographical Spread – If subordinates are widely dispersed, a narrow span is preferred.

6. 4. Importance of Span of Management Determines organizational structure – wide span → flat; narrow span → tall. Influences cost – wider span reduces managerial cost; narrow span increases it. Affects efficiency – impacts speed of communication, decision-making, and control. Motivational impact – wide span allows autonomy; narrow span ensures close guidance.

7. 6. Examples Call Center / Sales Team – Work is routine, measurable, and repetitive → Wide span is suitable . Hospital / Research Laboratory – Work is complex and specialized → Narrow span is suitable .