Span of Management – The Width of Power! 👐

Also called: Span of Control, Span of Supervision.

Definition: The number of subordinates who report directly to a specific manager.

The Question: Should a Manager have 4 subordinates or 20?

1. Narrow Span (Tall Structure) 🗼

Structure: Manager -> 3 Subordinates -> Each has 3 Subordinates... Shape: Like a tall tower (Pyramid).

Characteristics:

• Few subordinates per manager (e.g., 3-5).
• Many levels of management.

Advantages:

• ✅ Close supervision (Boss watches everything).
• ✅ Good for complex work (Mentoring possible).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ High Cost: Need many managers (Salaries!).
• ❌ Slow Communication: Information has to travel through 10 levels.
• ❌ Micromanagement: Boss breathes down your neck.

Example: Traditional Government Offices, Banks.

2. Wide Span (Flat Structure) 🥞

Structure: Manager -> 20 Subordinates. Shape: Like a flat pancake.

Characteristics:

• Many subordinates per manager (e.g., 10-20).
• Few levels of management.

Advantages:

• ✅ Low Cost: Fewer managers needed.
• ✅ Fast Communication: Only 2-3 levels to reach the CEO.
• ✅ Employee Freedom: Boss can't watch everyone, so employees get autonomy.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Overloaded Manager: Can't pay attention to everyone.
• ❌ Loss of Control: Mistakes might go unnoticed.

Example: Tech Startups (Tesla, SpaceX), Consulting Firms.

Factors Determining Span (The "It Depends" List) 🤔

1. Capacity of Manager: Smart/Experienced boss = Wide Span.
2. Capacity of Subordinates: Trained/Smart team = Wide Span. (They don't need help).
3. Nature of Work:
   • Routine/Repetitive (e.g., Call Center) = Wide Span (1 boss, 50 callers).
   • Creative/Complex (e.g., R&D) = Narrow Span (1 scientist, 3 juniors).
4. Use of Technology: Good software (Dashboards) = Wide Span (Boss can track 100 people on screen).

Graicunas' Theory (The Math) 🧮

V.A. Graicunas (French Consultant) proved mathematically:

• If you add 1 subordinate, the number of relationships increases Exponentially!
• Example:
  • 2 Subordinates = 6 Relationships.
  • 3 Subordinates = 18 Relationships.
  • 4 Subordinates = 44 Relationships!
• Lesson: Be careful adding "just one more person" to a team!

Quiz Time! 🎯

💡 Final Wisdom: "A Tall structure is like an Elephant (Strong but Slow). A Flat structure is like a Cheetah (Fast but Lean). In the modern world, Cheetahs usually win!" 🐘🐆

🎉 UNIT IV COMPLETE! You have mastered Planning & Organising!

Next epic: Unit V: Authority, Coordination & Control - The final piece of the puzzle! Power, Teamwork, and Discipline! 🧩