Span of control
Span of control is the number of people reporting directly to a manager. A wider span can reduce the number of management layers but increases coordination and support demands on that manager. A suitable span depends on task complexity, staff capability, geographical dispersion, systems and the amount of supervision required. It is not simply the total workforce under a manager indirectly.
Worked example
A department manager directly supervises six team leaders, each of whom supervises eight employees. The department manager’s span is six, rather than the 48 employees supervised through those leaders.
Common mistake
Do not define span as the number of hierarchy levels or assume a wide span always means greater employee autonomy. Actual decision rights and working practices matter.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |