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What is Organizational Structure?
Key Elements of Organizational Structure
Work Specialization
Departmentalization
Chain Of Command
Span Of Control
Centralization and Decentralization
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Forms of Organizational Structure
Matrix Organization
Virtual Organization
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Span of Control

 

 

The Span of Control in an organization is defined as the number of employees reporting directly to one supervisor. Traditionally, the Span of Control has been defined as a number between 4 and 7 subordinates under one manager.

The Span of Control is a concept which developed during the 19’th Century for the organization of large European armies into smaller and smaller subunits. I.e. one could have 7 soldiers in one Platoon with 1 leader, 7 platoons with one higher-ranking leader, etc. to form a large army which was relatively easy for one General at the top to manage under conditions of combat.

 

Concept

 

 wider spans of management increase organizational efficiency

 

Narrow Span Drawbacks

 

·        xpense of additional layers of management

·        increased complexity of vertical communication

·        encouragement of overly tight supervision and discouragement of employee autonomy

 

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