The span of management means the period during which higher managers supervise and controls their subordinates. It also includes the limits within which he exercises his right of control.
Generally, it is believed that the number of subordinates under the supervision and control of one person must be limited, So that he may easily, effectively, and successfully control their activities.
Thus, It is called the span of control, the span of supervision, and the span of responsibilities, etc.
What are the Factors Affecting Span of Control?
The following are the factors influencing the span of control:
1. The Ability of Officers
The very first and most important factor in determining the span of control is the ability of officers who have to manage.
If they are very efficient and capable.
They can control a large number of subordinates on the contrary.
If the officers are less efficient they would not be able to control that much number of subordinates.
There are also some factors affecting the market segmentation.
2. Availability of Time for Supervision
The second factor which determines the span of control is the availability of time with the managers of higher cadres for supervision.
If they have less time for supervision, they would not be able to control a large number of subordinates.
3. Nature of Work
The span of management is affected by the nature of work also.
If the work is of a simple and routine nature, managers can control a large number of people.
On the contrary, If the work is more complicated, managers cannot have effective control over a small number of employees only.
4. Plans for the Enterprise
If the plans of the enterprise are clear and stable, the managers feel it is easy to control the activities of their subordinates.
On the contrary, If the plans of the enterprise are not stable, it becomes very difficult for the managers to control the activities of a large number of subordinates.
5. Ability and Efficiency of Subordinates
A very important factor affecting the span of management is the ability, efficiency, and willingness of subordinates.
If the subordinates are able and efficient and they are willing to coordinate with their higher officers, Managers can control a large number of subordinates.
6. Techniques of Control
The span of control depends upon the techniques of control also.
If the techniques of control are effective the managers can control a large number of subordinates.
On the contrary, It is the technique of individual supervision is used, the managers will not be able to maintain effective control of all the employees.
7. Degree of Decentralization
If there is an adequate decentralization of power in the enterprise.
The managers can control a large number of subordinates because their burden of work will be light.
In the company, If centralization is not so much adopted, Managers will be able to have effective control over a small number of subordinates only.
8. Service of Experts
If the service of experts is available in an enterprise, The number of subordinates under the control of one official may be more, and if the services of experts are not available in the enterprise.
The number of subordinates under the control of one officer will be Limited.
