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Explain the term span of control and outline a situation where a narrow span of control may be appropriate. - Leaving Cert Business - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
Explain the term span of control and outline a situation where a narrow span of control may be appropriate.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the term span of control and outline a situation where a narrow span of control may be appropriate. - Leaving Cert Business - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
Explain the term span of control
Answer
The term span of control refers to the number of subordinates or employees who report directly to a particular manager or supervisor within an organizational hierarchy. It indicates how many direct reports a manager has and thus determines the layers of management within an organization. A narrower span of control allows for closer supervision and more direct interaction between managers and their subordinates, which can enhance communication and support.
Step 2
Outline a situation where a narrow span of control may be appropriate
Answer
A narrow span of control may be particularly appropriate in situations where the work involved is complex or requires a high level of expertise. For example, in a specialized medical unit in a hospital, a manager may oversee only a few highly skilled doctors and nurses. This allows the manager to provide focused support, ensure high-quality patient care, and facilitate in-depth training or mentorship, which would be difficult to achieve with a broader span of control.