Question

In recent years, the optimal management structure has shifted from a narrow span of control to a broad or wide span of control. Earlier, three to seven individuals were reporting to the same manager (narrow span), whereas today, it is common to have twenty or more staff members reporting to the same person (broad span), as stated in the course textbook. Based on the readings for this week, the South University Online Library, and the Internet, respond to the following discussion points:

Identify at least one pro and one con for each span of control described above.

State, with reasons, which of the two structures you would recommend.

Answer 1

The number of people who reporte to one manager is a span. The huge number of people means broad span and few number of people means narrow span. Each of them have their pros and cons.

Wide span:

Besides giving a manager broader knowledge of workforce, more workers are given a single contact person for information and leadership which increases decision-making and lowers confusion.

Unavailability of the manager at times may lead to incomplete work and frustration among workers. This may also result in overlooking smaller problems which may turn into bigger difficulties.

Narrow span:

There is close supervisory control because of less span of managers.

Communication barrier arises due to large number of managers which creates a hindrance in decision-making.

From the above discussion it is clear that wide/broad span is the best and feasible span of control because the narrow span is very much expensive as it involves large number of managers.

Therefore, looking into the cost of employment and availability of the personnel, it is preferable to go for wide span of control.