Factors Determining an Effective Span
The number of subordinates a manager can effectively manage depends on the impact of underlying factors. Aside from such personal capacities as comprehending quickly, getting along with people, and commanding loyalty and respect, the most critical determinant is a manager’s ability to reduce the time he or she spends with subordinates. This skill naturally changes depending on the manager and the work. Still, several factors materially influence the number and frequency of such contacts and the management span (see the following table).
| Table: Factors Influencing the Span of Management | |
| Narrow spans (a great deal of time spent with subordinates) related to: | Wide spans (very little time spent with subordinates) related to: |
| Little or no training | Through training of subordinates |
| Inadequate or ambiguous delegation of authority | Precise delegation to carry out clearly specified responsibilities |
| Uncertain operations that are not repetitious are planned | Clearly defined plans for routine tasks |
| Non-verifiable goals and benchmarks | Verifiable goals are used as benchmarks. |
| Utilizing suitable methods, such as effective organization and structuring, and communicating both orally and in writing | Slow modifications to the internal and external environments |
| Improper or subpar communication methods, like giving unclear directions | Utilizing suitable methods, such as effective organization and structuring, and communicating both orally and in writing |
| Inadequate communication between superiors and subordinates | Interaction between superior and subordinate that works |
| Ineffective meetings | Effective meetings |
| More significant number of specialties at upper levels (top managers concerned with the external environment) | A more significant number of specialties at upper levels (top managers concerned with the external environment) |
| Untrained and incompetent manager | An untrained and incompetent manager |
| Complex task | Simple task |
| Refusal of subordinates to take accountability and reasonable risks | Willingness of subordinates to take on accountability and reasonable risks |
| Immature subordinates | Mature subordinates |