Span of Control

The span of the control is the number of subordinates a manager can efficiently and effectively direct.

Factors affecting the span of control 

There is no generally applicable optimum span of control. The suitable span of control has to be selected based on the following factors and the manageability of the organization:

Geographical dispersion

Capability of workers

Capability of boss

Similarity of task

Volume of other tasks

Required administrative tasks

Feature of Wide Span of Control (Flat Organization Structure)

Advantages:

The higher level of delegation. 

Improved communication speed and quality

Reduced costs as fewer managers are required

Disadvantages:

Over managerial workload

Higher role confusion

Features of Narrow Span of Control (Tall Organizational Structure)

Advantages:

Rapid communication

Easier to control/manage

The greater degree of specialization

Disadvantages:

Lengthy decision-making process

Very costly