Management and Supervision Q4

Question 1

What are the key issues you associate with either a narrow or wide span of control and how does it influence a manager’s workload? Define Span of control

Answer 1

• Refers to the number of staff immediately responsible to a particular manager or supervisor. - Number of subordinates and tasks over which a manager has supervisory responsibilities should be restricted to what is physically and mentally possible.

Question 2

Outline the key issues associated with NARROW width of span:

Answer 2

1) Tight control and close supervision of subordinate activities.
2) Time to think and plan, managers are not burdened with too many day to day problems.
3) Reduced delegation, a manager can do more of his work himself.
4) Better communication with subordinates, who are small in number to allow this to occur.

Question 3

Outline the key issues associated with WIDE width of span:

Answer 3

1) Greater decision making authority for subordinates. 2) Lower supervisory costs.
3) Less control but perhaps greater motivation through job satisfaction.

Question 4

How does it influence a manager’s workload?

Answer 4

The more non-supervisory work in a manager’s work load:

• The narrower the span of control should be or the greater the delegation of authority to subordinates should be: