8 Key Factors Affecting Span of Control (Explained)

The span of management means the period during which higher managers supervisors and controls his 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 span of responsibilities, etc.

Factors Affecting Span of Control

Following are the factors affecting 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.

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 cadre 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 persons.

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 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 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.

On the company, If the centralization is not so much adopted, Managers will be able to have effective control over as 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 not available in the enterprise.

The number of subordinates under the control of one officer will be Limited.

Thus, Now you know about Factors Affecting Span of Control (Explained).