Chain of Command and Span of Control
1. Chain of Command
The chain of command is the line of authority from the top of an organisation to the lowest level.
It shows who reports to whom.
A long chain of command means many levels of management.
A short chain of command means fewer management levels.
2. Span of Control
Span of control refers to the number of subordinates directly managed by one manager.
Example from the organisations:
Business A: Span of control = 2 (narrow)
Business B: Span of control = 5 (wide)
3. Link Between Chain of Command and Span of Control
There is a direct relationship between the two:
Long chain of command →
Tall organisational structure
Narrow span of control
Short chain of command →
Wide organisational structure
Wide span of control
4. Tall vs Wide Organisational Structures
Business A – Tall Structure
Long chain of command
Many levels of management
Narrow span of control
Managers supervise fewer employees
Business B – Wide Structure
Short chain of command
Fewer levels of management
Wide span of control
Managers supervise more employees
5. Delayering
Delayering means removing one or more levels of management.
This makes the organisation:
Wider
Less hierarchical
Faster in decision-making
Advantages of Short Chains of Command
1. Faster and Clearer Communication
Messages pass through fewer levels
Less chance of information being distorted
2. Managers Are Closer to Employees
Top managers are less remote
Better understanding of employee needs and problems
3. Wider Span of Control
This brings several benefits:
More delegation
Managers must share responsibility
Employees get more authority
Increased trust
Less close supervision
Employees feel trusted
Higher job satisfaction
Employees make decisions themselves
Work becomes more interesting and motivating
6. Disadvantages of Wide Span of Control
Managers may lose control if they have too many subordinates
Employees may make mistakes if they are:
Poorly trained
Inexperienced
Requires skilled managers and well-trained staff