span of management means number of people managed efficiently by a single officer in an organization. If the officer is talented he will be provided with more personnel.

1. Span of management
Span of management means number of
people managed efficiently by a single
officer in an organisation.

2. GRAICUNA’S THEORY or
TYPES of span of management
1. Direct single relationship
2. Direct group relationship
3. Cross relationship

3. 1. Direct single relationship
The supervisor has direct relationship
with his subordinates individually
A
B C
supervisor
subordinates

4. 2. Direct group relationship
The supervisor has direct relationship
with his subordinates jointly
A
B C
Consultation
Subordinates
Consultation
Supervisor

5. 3. CROSS relationship
The subordinates has relationship
with another subordinate mutually.
A
B C
Subordinates
Supervisor

6. FACTORS AFFECTING THE
SPAN OF MANAGEMENT
1. Nature of supervision work
If the work performed is
standardised the span of control may
be increased.
If the work performed is
complicated the span of control has
to be restricted.
2. Leadership quality
If the supervisor is more skilled the
span of management can be

7. 3. Qualities of subordinates
If the subordinates is more talented
the manager can supervise more
number of subordinates.
4. Time availability
If the supervisor spends more time in
planning and organising they can
supervise the subordinates in the
remaining time allowed to them.

8. 5. Level of supervision
If the subordinates perform the work
manually span of control may be
increased at the bottom level.
6. Delegation of authority
If the authority is delagated i.e
planning and execution the span of
control may be increased .

9. 7. Fixation of responsibility
If the responsibility of the
subordinates is clearly defined there
is no need for the subordinate to get
guidance from the supervisor.
8. Methods of communication
Oral communication requires more
time and energy this can be avoided
in written communication.