SPAN OF MANAGEMENT

Span of Management:Span of management refers to the

number of subordinates who can be managed effectively by a superior.

Direct Single Relationships• Example: Superior X, Subordinates A, B, C• 3 direct single relationships occur i.e. X to A, X to B, X to C• Formula to find the possible single relationships = n • (n denotes no. of subordinates)

Superior X

Subordinate CSubordinate BSubordinate A

Direct Group Relationships• All Possible Combinations• Example: Superior X, Subordinates A, B, C• Formula to find the possible Direct Group

relationships = n (2n-1-1)• (n denotes no. of subordinates)• 9 direct group relationships occur i.e. X to A, X to

B, X to C, A to B, A to C, B to A, B to C, C to A, C to B

Cross Relationships• Mutual Interactions of subordinates working under

the common superior• Example: Superior X, Subordinates A, B, C

• Formula to find the Cross Relationships = n (n-1)• (n denotes no. of subordinates)• 6 direct group relationships occur i.e. A to B, A to

C, B to A, B to C, C to A, C to B

Factors affecting Span of Management: •Capacity of Superior•Capacity of Subordinates•Nature of Work•Degree of Decentralization•Degree of Planning•Communication Techniques•Use of Staff Assistance•Supervision of others

Factors Affecting Span of Management:

Capacity of SuperiorDifferent ability and capacity of leadership, communication affect management of subordinates.

Capacity of SubordinatesEfficient and trained subordinates affects the degree of span of management.

Nature of WorkDifferent type of work require different patterns of management.

Degree of DecentralizationDegree of centralization or decentralization affects the span of management by affecting the degree of involvement of the superior in decision making.

Degree of PlanningPlans which can provide rules, procedures in doing the work higher would be the degree of span of management.

Communication TechniquesPattern of communication, its means, and media affect the time requirement in managing subordinates and consequently span of management.

Use of Staff AssistanceUse of Staff assistance in reducing the work load of managers enables them to manage more number of subordinates.

Supervision of othersIf subordinate receives supervision form several other personnel besides his direct supervisor. In such a case, the work load of direct superior is reduced and he can supervise more number of persons.

Tall Structure (narrow Structure) and

Flat Structure (Wide Structure)

• Wide span of control• Reduced management levels• Decentralized decision making

Advantages:• More Delegation of Authority• Development of Managers• Clear policies

Disadvantages:• Overloaded supervisors• Danger of superiors loss of

control• Requirement of highly trained

managerial personnel• Block in decision making

Tall Structure (narrow) Flat Structure (wide)

• Narrow span of control• Large no. of management

levels• centralized decision making

Advantages:• Close supervision• Close control of subordinates• Fast communication

Disadvantages:• Too much control• Many levels of management• High costs• Excessive distance between

lowest level and highest level