Span of Management or Control
· The term span of management is also known as Span of control.
· It represents a numerical limit of subordinates to be supervised and controlled by a manager.
Graicunas Theory
Graicunas showed mathematically that a number of direct, group and cross relationships exist between a manager and his subordinates. The number of these relationships increases with the increase in the number of the subordinates.
No. of direct relationships=n
No. of cross relationships = n(n-1)
No. of group relationships= n[2^(n-1) -1]
Total number of relationships =n [2^n/2+(n-1)]<!–[if gte msEquation 12]>2n2+(n-1)]<![endif]–>
Total number of relationships =n [2^n/2+(n-1)]<!–[if gte msEquation 12]>2n2+(n-1)]<![endif]–>
Impact of Span:
· Flat and wide span
· Tall and Narrow span
Narrow span
Disadvantages:
· Complication in Communication because of additional layers.
· Problem of coordination
Benefits:
· Personal contact between supervisor and subordinates
· Tight control and close supervision.
· Sufficient time to create relationship with subordinates.
Wide Span:
Benefits:
· Less number of supervisors.
· Less expensive
· Better communication
Disadvantages:
· Performance deterioration
· No sufficient time.
Factors determining span of supervision:
· Ability of managers
· Time available for supervision
· Nature of work
· Capacity of subordinates
· Degree of decentralisation
· Effectiveness of communication
· Control mechanism
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