136 Inappropriate Span of Control

136.1 Factors

The complexity of a managerial function is a governing factor in establishing an appropriate span of control. When subordinates perform similar tasks, the span of control can be broader than when they perform dissimilar tasks.

136.2 Considerations

It is not practical to prescribe upper or lower limits to the span of control in a general context. Each organizational situation must be separately analyzed. The following principles serve as guidelines:

1. When the span is so narrow that delegation is impaired and subordinate supervisors are limited in the use of initiative and judgment, the span should be broadened.
2. When the span is so broad that subordinates are not receiving the proper degree of management, the span should be narrowed.