What does span of control refer to?

Span of control refers specifically to the number of subordinates that are directly overseen by a manager. This concept is crucial in organizational structure and management because it influences how effectively a manager can supervise their team. A wider span of control can lead to less direct supervision and can require managers to adopt more of a delegative approach, while a narrower span can allow for closer management and more personalized guidance.

Understanding span of control is essential for effective management as it directly affects productivity and communication levels within an organization. Managers need to find an appropriate balance in span of control to ensure that they can maintain oversight and provide support to their staff without becoming overwhelmed by too many direct reports, which can lead to decreased effectiveness in leadership.

The other options provided do not accurately encapsulate the concept of span of control. For example, the principle about reporting to only one supervisor speaks to clarity in reporting relationships rather than the manager's oversight capacity. The steps of a process address workflow management, and linking staff with higher-level positions refers to organizational hierarchy, which are also separate management concepts.