Narrow Span of Control Meaning
In case of companies every company has its own rules and regulations and management is no exception and that is the reason why some companies tend to follow narrow span of control while some tend to follow wide span of control. Narrow span of control in simple words refers to that system in which one supervisor or manager look into the working of few subordinates only rather than looking into the work of many subordinates, in order to understand this concept fully one should look at advantages and disadvantages of narrow span of control –
Advantages of Narrow Span of Control
Better Control
In case of school parents usually look at teacher-student ratio and if that ratio is higher than parents become apprehensive as more students means less control and supervision of teacher over students same is the case with company where more subordinates under one supervisor means less control and that is one of the biggest advantages of narrow span of control as due to fewer subordinates under one superior, the superior can have better control over the activities of the subordinates.
More Time with Subordinates
Another benefit of narrow span of control is that it gives superior more time with subordinates which in turn helps subordinates in putting their problems regarding the work to superior and superior acting on that problem so as to find quick solution unlike wide span of control where superior is not able to give subordinates more time due to number of subordinates being high. Just in case of school due to less number of students teacher can give a good amount of time to every student resulting in improvement in the performance of the student same is the case here.
Better Communication
Since supervisor has more time for subordinates it leads to better communication between the superior and subordinates which in turn can go a long way in ensuring that subordinates remain happy because suppose subordinate has any big or small problem than he or she can immediately contact the supervisor which is not the case with wide span of control where supervisor due to a large number of subordinates do not have time to listen about small problems of subordinates. In simple words, a narrow span of control ensures that a close relationship between superiors and subordinates develops by providing more time for communication between superiors and subordinates.
Disadvantages of Narrow Span of Control
Expensive
The biggest disadvantage of narrow span of control is that it is expensive to implement because in this case company has to employ more supervisors or managers to manage subordinates which in turn leads to more expenses in the form of salary and other incentives for the company. In simple words due to this system putting a strain on the financial position of the company only big companies can think of adopting this strategy in their company.
Higher Number of Managers
Another problem with this strategy is that due to higher number of manager’s chances of conflict among managers rises because more managers means more ego clashes besides there will be problem overlapping of instructions as chances are subordinates may have to follow instructions from two superiors simultaneously leading to conflict of instructions which in turn can create chaotic situation in the company.
Too much Interference
Since there are many supervisors sometimes it may lead to too much supervision or interference in day to day work of subordinates which in turn will create frustration and confusion in the minds of subordinates which ultimately will affect their performance at work leading to decrease in the overall efficiency of the company.
As one can see from the above that narrow span of control has pros as well as cons and that is the reason why any company thinking of implementing this strategy in the company should carefully read above points and then take the decision.