In a tall structure, the span of control is typically narrow. Which statement is true?

In a tall structure, the span of control is typically narrow. Which statement is true?

• A. A wide span of control reduces supervision time
• B. A narrow span of control gives managers more time for planning, supervision and decision-making
• C. A narrow span of control speeds up communication
• D. A wide span of control increases the number of levels

Answer: (B)

Span of control is the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager. In a tall structure, this span is narrow, so each manager oversees only a few people and there are many management levels. With fewer direct reports, a manager can devote more time to planning for the team, supervising each member, and making decisions within their scope. That’s why the statement that a narrow span of control gives managers more time for planning, supervision and decision-making is true. Think of the alternatives in light of this pattern: a wide span means more subordinates per manager, which typically increases supervisory workload and can reduce time available for detailed planning or supervision; narrow spans do slow overall cross-level communication due to more layers; and wide spans reduce the number of levels rather than increase them.

Span of control is the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager. In a tall structure, this span is narrow, so each manager oversees only a few people and there are many management levels. With fewer direct reports, a manager can devote more time to planning for the team, supervising each member, and making decisions within their scope. That’s why the statement that a narrow span of control gives managers more time for planning, supervision and decision-making is true.

Think of the alternatives in light of this pattern: a wide span means more subordinates per manager, which typically increases supervisory workload and can reduce time available for detailed planning or supervision; narrow spans do slow overall cross-level communication due to more layers; and wide spans reduce the number of levels rather than increase them.