Span Of Control - GCSE Business Definition

Span of control refers to the number of employees that a manager or supervisor oversees within an organisation. In GCSE Business, it’s important to understand that a narrow span of control means a manager supervises fewer employees, allowing for closer oversight and more direct communication. Conversely, a wider span of control means a manager is responsible for a larger group of employees, which can encourage independence but may also lead to communication challenges.

The span of control depends on factors such as the complexity of tasks, the skill level of employees, and the organisational structure. Understanding span of control helps to analyse how businesses organise management to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.