Question

Explain the term span of control.

Briefly explain the meaning of the following term:

Span of control

What is meant by Span of Control?

Answer 1

1. The span of control is the number of subordinates a manager is directly responsible for.
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 ideal, they may feel they are not being used effectively, while if they are handling more, they may feel over-stretched and that their reports will not receive enough direction.