Question 1

What is span of control?

Accepted Answer

The definition of Span of Control is number of direct reports a manager handles, supervises, and takes responsibility for. It defines the scope of a manager’s supervision and impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation.

Question 2

What are the types of span of control?

Accepted Answer

Span of control can be categorized into two types- Wide spans (flatter management structure) and narrow span (taller management structure). The structure to be implemented is decided based on the nature, size, and many other factors of an organization.

Question 3

How do you calculate span of control?

Accepted Answer

The span of control is calculated by dividing the number of employees by the number of managers which comes up as a single number that can be expressed as a ratio.

Question 4

What is the ideal span of control?

Accepted Answer

A healthy span of control balances managerial effectiveness and employee needs. Typically, 3-7 direct reports are ideal for complex tasks requiring close supervision, while 8-15 direct reports are suitable for routine tasks where employees can work independently.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of a narrow span of control?

Accepted Answer

A narrow span of control is associated with disadvantages like slower communication, higher overhead costs, more bureaucracy for the organization.

Question 6

How can technology help manage span of control?

Accepted Answer

Technology can help in managing span of control by enabling better communication, automating tasks, and providing real-time data for informed decision-making. This can lead to more efficient management, increased employee engagement, and ultimately, a better organization.

span of control

What is Span of Control: Types, Formula, Benefits & Best Practices