The number of direct subordinates that a manager can effectively manage is known as the management span. It is important to have an appropriate span of control so that a manager can work efficiently and respond appropriately to the needs of employees. Too large a line margin can lead to overwork and inefficient management, while too small a line margin can lead to a waste of resources.
Management span and organizational structure
The organizational structure is closely related to the management span. In flat hierarchies, managers generally have a larger management span as they directly supervise more employees. The management span is smaller in steeper hierarchies, as managers have fewer direct subordinates and the hierarchy levels are more pronounced.
There are legal requirements and working agreements in many European countries, including the EU and Switzerland, which regulate the maximum management span to ensure that employees are properly supervised and managed. Therefore, companies need to carefully plan and monitor the management span to ensure it is efficient and effective.
Optimizing the management span
It is critical to the success of an organization to optimize the span of control. It is important that managers regularly review whether their headcount is appropriate and whether adjustments need to be made. Managers can receive additional support or resources to effectively manage their staff.
It is also important that managers have the necessary skills and resources to successfully manage their span of control. Improving the leadership skills and effective management of managers' span of control can be supported through training and development.
The impact of the manager's span of control on employees
Employees can be directly influenced by the management span. If a manager's span of control is too large, this can lead to the individual support of employees being neglected. This can have a negative impact on employees' job satisfaction, motivation and performance.
Employees can feel supported and cared for if there is an appropriate management span. It is possible for managers to better consider the needs of their employees and provide individualized support, which can lead to a positive work environment and increased employee retention.
Management span is influenced by technological developments.
New technologies are also influencing the management span. Thanks to digital tools and communication platforms, managers can engage more effectively with a larger number of employees. It can help to widen the span of leadership without compromising the quality of leadership.
Leaders need to find the right balance to take advantage of technology without neglecting personal interaction and mentoring of employees. Technology should be used to optimize span of control and increase leadership effectiveness.
