Here is another basic management concept everyone should remember: \"Span of Man

Question

Here is another basic management concept everyone should remember: "Span of Management", also sometimes referred to as the "Span of Control". Simply put, it refers to the number of people a manager at any level has reporting directly to them. Researchers exploring this topic have concluded that in the lower, operational levels of an organization, a wide span of control is appropriate (many people reporting to the same boss), but at top levels, i.e. the Executive Level, the span should be very narrow (few people reporting to the same boss). Why do you think that would tend to the the actual practice? If in a large organization, say an Accounting Department supervisor can effectively oversee 10 or 15 accounting clerks, why can't a President supervise a similar number of Vice Presidents?

Explanation / Answer

A president is at the top level of organization’s pyramid structure. He needs to have a narrow span of control to manage the vertical organization more effectively, because the effectiveness of the management reduces as it becomes wider, as it requires supervision of too many people, which has an adverse effect on the quality of supervision. A president needs sufficient time and energy to focus on important issues of policy and strategic importance. A narrow span of control also helps to reinforce the authority relationships by emphasizing the status and forcing cross communication.

A narrow span of control gives close control over operational matters of importance and facilitates faster communication between president and vice presidents. Furthermore, a narrow span of control creates opportunities for promotion by having many positions.

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