Learn: Span of Control

Welcome!Great to see you're ready to learn about span of control. You've already explored organisational structure and chain of command, so this will build on that foundation. Let's dive in!

What is Span of Control?Span of control refers to the number of employees a manager directly oversees. It can be wide (many employees) or narrow (few employees). This concept affects how effectively a business operates and communicates.

Wide vs Narrow SpanIn a wide span of control, a manager supervises many employees, leading to faster decision-making but less personal supervision. In a narrow span of control, fewer employees are managed, allowing for closer monitoring and guidance but potentially slower decisions.

Why Span of Control MattersSpan of control affects communication, workload, and decision-making. A wide span can lead to faster communication but may overwhelm managers. A narrow span ensures closer supervision but can slow down decision-making.

Factors Influencing Span of ControlThe ideal span depends on factors like: Manager's experienceComplexity of tasksEmployee skillsTechnology used For example, skilled employees need less supervision, so a wider span may work better.

Advantages and DisadvantagesWide span of control: Advantages include faster communication and lower costs. Disadvantages include overworked managers and less supervision.Narrow span of control: Advantages include closer supervision and better guidance. Disadvantages include higher costs and slower communication.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned what span of control means, why it matters, and its advantages and disadvantages. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.