2. MEANING
A term originating in the military
organization, but now used most
commonly in the business
management.
Span of management is also
called as span of control or span of
supervision. It refers to the number
of subordinates who can be
managed effectively by a superior.
3. CONTD-
It has two important implications-
1)It influences the complexities of individual
managers job.
2)It determines the shape of the organization
Span of management or span of control
is the number of subordinates who report
directly to a specific manager-
1)Managers should have neither too many nor
too few subordinates.
4. CONTD-
2)It can be narrower or broader depending
on the circumstances of each managerial
job.
―Subordinates work in such that little
interaction with others is required
―The work of subordinate is similar.
―Problems are infrequent.
―Managers have few non-supervisory duties
to perform
span of management determine the
number of hierarchical levels in an
organization-
1. A tall structure
2. A flat structure
5. EARLIER IDEAS ON SPAN OF
MANAGEMENT
Classical writers have suggested between 3
to 8 subordinates as ideal.
Graicunas a French management
consultant has suggested the fixation of no
of subordinates based on mathematical
calculation. He analyzed a superior
subordinate relationship and developed
mathematical formulae.
6. CONTD-
He identified 3 types of relationship:
1.Direct single relationships where direct
individuals contact the superior.
2.Direct group relation arise in all possible
combinations.
3.Cross relationship arises because of
mutual interaction of subordinates
working under a superior.
7. CONTD-
Graicunas has given formulae to find out
various relationship with various number of
subordinates.
direct single relationship=n
direct group relationship=n(2*n-1-1)
cross relationship=n(2*n/2+n-1 )
8. FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT SPAN
OF CONTROL
Job complexity
Capacity of superior
Capacity of subordinates.
Nature of work
Degree of decentralization
9. CONTD-
Degree of planning
Communication technique
Abilities of employees
Use of staff assistance
