Definition: The span of control in management suggests estimating the optimum number of subordinates managed by a single supervisor. It is a primary factor that determines the shape of the organization. Also, it involves all the management activities than just supervision and control. Show
The levels of management are created based on the span of control expressed by comparing managers with employees. It depicts the organization’s size and workgroups. The span of control can interchangeably termed as:
There are two types of span- wide and narrow span of control, determined by the manageable number of personnel under one senior. However, it differs under different circumstances based on variables like:
Note: The flatter organization has a wide span of control, whereas the taller organization has a narrow span of control. Content: Span of Control in Management
Generally, two types of span can be seen in organizations that are:
Wide Span of ControlWhen one manager supervises many subordinates, it shows a wide span of control. It is also called Operative Span as it is generally applicable at the lower or operating managerial level. The wide span involves simple working and forms a flatter organizational structure. Besides the organizations large in size go for a wide span of control. It involves less operating cost and is highly adaptive to the changes. The supervisors have excellent coordination and communication horizontally & vertically because of the fewer levels. Advantages of Wide Span of Control
Disadvantages of Wide Span of Control
Narrow Span of ControlWhen one manager manages a few subordinates, it shows a narrow span of control. It is also called the Executive span because it is applicable at the top or middle managerial level. Organizations opt narrow span when the nature of work is complex and requires more assistance from the superior. A narrow span contains fewer subordinates at a single level. Consequently, it increases the number of management levels making an organization taller in structure. Advantages of Narrow Span of Control
Disadvantages of Narrow Span of Control
Importance of Span of Control
Factors Affecting Span of Management
Graicunas Theory of Span of ControlTraditionally theorists suggested that ideally, one executive can handle three to eight subordinates. But the experts disagree with this recommended number of associates. Moreover, they believe it cannot be specified and varies based on the situation. In 1933 a French management consultant V.A Graicunas identified several relationships between an executive and his associates. In his theory, he suggested a mathematical formula to ascertain the geometric increment in the number of relationships with an increase in the number of subordinates under a single supervisor. He pointed out three types of relationships:
Direct Single RelationshipsIt shows the number of direct individual relationships with the subordinates. The number of relationships equals the number of subordinates under a superior. Formula: Direct Single Relationships = Number of subordinates (n) For example, a manager ‘P‘ has three subordinates, R, S and T. The direct relationships between them will be as follows:
Three direct relationships exist between them. Direct Group RelationshipsIt depicts all possible relationships between the superior and his subordinates. Formula: Direct Group Relationships = n(2(n-1) -1) or n(2n/2-1) Based on the example given above, the number of direct group relationships will be: = 3(2(3-1) -1) Following will be the relationships between P, R, S and T:
Cross RelationshipsIt shows the interpersonal relationships between the subordinates under a single executive. The subordinates also interact with each other in the organization. The conflicts and issues between them must be taken care of by the superior heading them. Formula: Cross Relationships = n (n-1) The cross-relationship in the above example will be: =3(3-1) Six cross relationships between P, R, S and T are as follows:
Total RelationshipsThe total number of relationships which can exist under an executive can be calculated using the formula given below: Total Relationships = n(2(n-1) + n – 1) or n(2n/2 + n – 1) The total relationships for the preceding example will be: = 3(2(3-1) + 3 – 1) According to Graicunas, a supervisor must thoughtfully increase his span. The complexity and number of relationships increase with every addition, which may become challenging to manage. He also prescribed that a manager can manage up to 222 relationships under him, which means his span of control will be 6. One can effectively manage 6 subordinates under him. ExampleCoca-Cola The span of control in Coca-Cola is narrow, creating a tall organizational structure. They have 1 superior over every 3-5 employees. Earlier, the ratio of span of control in Google was 1 supervisor over 7 subordinates. They have widened their structure by increasing their span by 10 subordinates under 1 supervisor. Final WordsThe number of employees that a manager can effectively control implies the span of control in management. Depending upon the situation and need, organizations can use a wide or narrow span of management. There is no predetermined number of subordinates a superior can manage. It largely depends on the various factors discussed above. It is observed that large organizations have both wide and narrow spans within the same organization. The top and middle levels possess a narrow span, whereas the lower level includes a wide span of control. Under what circumstances might a firm adopt a wide span of control?Other situations in which a broader span of control might be possible include when the manager delegates effectively; when there are staff assistants to screen interactions between the manager and subordinates; when subordinates are competent, well-trained, and able to work independently; and when subordinates' goals ...
What are the factors that creates larger spans of control?Factors Impacting Span of Control. Nature of the Work. ... . Time Management Constraints. ... . Experience Level of Employees. ... . Company and Team Culture. ... . Skill Level of Manager. ... . Use of Technology.. What would a high span of control mean for an organization?By increasing the span of control for managers who could or should take on more, you can actually decrease the amount of micromanagement in the organization, creating more autonomy, faster decision making, and more professional development for team members.
What are the conditions under which the span of control should be wide?Similarity of task: if the tasks that the subordinates are performing are similar, then the span of control can be wider, as the manager can supervise them all at the same time.
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