ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · The formal and informal business organisation
Which of the following factors would most justify a NARROW span of control for a supervisor?
Complex work that requires close supervision justifies a narrow span of control, because the manager must spend more time with each subordinate. Skilled staff, routine tasks, close location and standard procedures all reduce supervision needs and so permit a wider span.
- ASubordinates are highly trained and experienced
- BTasks are routine and repetitive
- CWork is complex and requires close supervisionCorrect
- DStaff are located close together and use standard procedures
Explanation
Complex work needing close supervision requires more manager time per subordinate, so fewer subordinates can be managed effectively. The other options (skilled staff, routine tasks, proximity and standard procedures) all allow a wider span.
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