What is the main advantage of a narrow span of control?

A narrow span of control primarily enhances communication within an organization. When a manager oversees a smaller number of employees, it allows for more direct and individualized interaction. This close supervision can lead to more effective and timely communication of information, expectations, and feedback. Employees are more likely to feel supported and valued when they have more access to their manager, which can enhance both motivation and productivity.

In addition to improved communication, a narrow span of control can foster stronger relationships between managers and their teams. Managers can devote more attention to each team member, which can help in recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leading to better team performance. This setup can also lead to quicker decision-making, as there are fewer hierarchical layers to navigate.

While there are other potential advantages attributed to different spans of control, like cost-effectiveness or management skill requirement, the primary benefit of a narrow span is the communication aspect, which significantly impacts overall organizational effectiveness and employee morale.