What are some reasons for having a narrow span of control in an organization?
In all organizations, the span of control plays an important role, with effects on organizational structure, such as supervisor-subordinate relations and decision-making processes. The term "span of control" refers to subordinates who can be personally controlled by a supervisor or administrator. This article explains the different types of span of control. Show
Defining Span of ControlThere are many ways of defining the span of control.
A broad definition of the span of control is the degree to which one person may effectively extend his or her supervisory abilities over other persons or administrative entities. Due to limited attention power, time, and energy, a wide range of control is required. The efficient use of managers and the successful performance of their subordinates are both influenced by the span of control. The ideal span refers to the number of subordinates who should cost less and provide management greater strength.
Types of Span of ControlThe span of control is classified into two types: wide span of control and narrow span of control. Which is the best option? Unfortunately, there is no definitive solution. Aside from the organizational structure used, each category offers advantages and disadvantages. This is explored further below.
Wide-span of control
A wide span of control means a single manager or supervisor oversees a large number of subordinates. A manager with a wide span of control may successfully monitor and control a big number of people at the same time. Because of the shorter span of control, the number of steps or levels in the vertical chain of command increases, resulting in a taller organization. Companies with flat organizational structures are prone to having a wide span of control.
This is because there are fewer layers between the top and bottom levels.
As a result, there is a short chain of command.
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Related: 10 Tips for first-time supervisors
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Narrow Span of ControlA narrow span of control is seen when one boss controls a few subordinates. It is also known as the Executive span since it applies at the top or middle management levels. When the nature of the activity is complicated and requires more support from the superior, organizations choose a narrow span.
At a single level, a narrow span has fewer subordinates. As a result of the increased number of management levels, an organization's structure becomes taller.
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Hopefully, this article has given you an appreciation of the different types of spans of control. For more information on the span of control, you can refer to this article on everything you need to know about the span of control.
Fadzai Danha is a consultant at Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, a management and human resources consulting firm. Phonе +263 242 481946-48/481950 or еmail: [email protected] or visit our wеbsitе at www.ipcconsultants.com Why are some Organisations having a narrow span of control?Advantages of a narrow span of control
Improved communication is a major advantage of a narrow span of control. Because managers have only a few employees reporting to them, they're able to spend more time with their team members and increase the frequency of their interactions.
In which cases a narrow span of control gives better result?A narrow span is often more effective when daily guidance and expertise is needed to complete more complex tasks.
Which organisation has narrow span of control?A tall structure of organisation is the one that has multiple levels of hierarchy. A tall structure of organisation has narrow span of management. That is, under such a structure a manager has charge of only a few subordinates.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of span of control?Span of Control: Importance, Types, Advantages, Disadvantages. What's it: The span of control shows how many subordinates a manager is responsible for. ... . Faster communication and coordination. ... . Higher motivation. ... . Work flexibility. ... . Lower costs. ... . More delegates. ... . Job satisfaction. ... . Decreased productivity.. |