Define 'span of control' and explain how increasing the span of control affects the number of management levels in an organization.
Answer
Span of control = number of subordinates per manager; a larger span reduces the number of managerial levels.
The correct answer is Span of control = number of subordinates per manager; a larger span reduces the number of managerial levels. — Conclude that with fewer managers needed, the hierarchical pyramid becomes shorter, reducing the number of levels.
Step-by-step solution
- State the definition: span of control is the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager.
- Explain that a larger span means each manager supervises more people.
- Conclude that with fewer managers needed, the hierarchical pyramid becomes shorter, reducing the number of levels.
Common mistake: Thinking a larger span creates more managerial levels
Concept tested: Span of control
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