Question

Explain the term span of control.

Briefly explain the meaning of the following term:

Span of control

Answer 1

1. The span of control is the number of subordinates for whom a manager is directly responsible.
2. Some companies also have an ideal span of control, which is the number of reports they feel a manager can effectively manage.
3. In this case, if a manager has fewer reports than the ideal, they may feel he or she is not being effectively used, while if he or she is handling more they may feel that the manager is over-stretched and the reports will not receive enough direction.