A-Level AQA Business Revision Unit 2(Part 2) : Span of Control

Span of control - The number of subordinates one job/postholder is responsible for

There are two types, a narrow span, or wide span. They are both shown through an organisational chart

A narrow span, also known as a Tall Structure, looks like:

A wide span, also known as a Flat Structure, looks like:

Tall Structure (narrow span):

- Allows for closer supervision of employees - Reduced span of control

- More layers in the hierarchy may be required - Called traditional or mechanistic structure

Flat Structure (wide span):

- Gives subordinates the chance for more independence - Delegation encouraged

- Greater span of control - Called organistic structure