Which term defines the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager?

Which term defines the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager?

• A. Span of Control
• B. Relationship Management
• C. Spatial Differentiation
• D. Silo Effect / Stovepipe

Answer: (A)

The main concept is span of control, which is the number of direct subordinates reporting to a manager. This term captures how broad or narrow a manager’s supervisory scope is, shaping how easily a manager can communicate, coach, and coordinate with each direct report. A wide span of control means many direct reports, which can streamline overhead but may challenge supervision and guidance. A narrow span of control means fewer direct reports, allowing closer supervision but increasing the number of managerial layers and total supervision overhead. The other terms don’t describe this specific idea. Relationship management is about handling interactions and relationships with stakeholders. Spatial differentiation refers to how organizations arrange units geographically or physically. The silo effect or stovepipe describes a situation where departments work in isolation rather than collaborating across functions.

The main concept is span of control, which is the number of direct subordinates reporting to a manager. This term captures how broad or narrow a manager’s supervisory scope is, shaping how easily a manager can communicate, coach, and coordinate with each direct report. A wide span of control means many direct reports, which can streamline overhead but may challenge supervision and guidance. A narrow span of control means fewer direct reports, allowing closer supervision but increasing the number of managerial layers and total supervision overhead.

The other terms don’t describe this specific idea. Relationship management is about handling interactions and relationships with stakeholders. Spatial differentiation refers to how organizations arrange units geographically or physically. The silo effect or stovepipe describes a situation where departments work in isolation rather than collaborating across functions.