8 Factors that decide the span of Control suggested by Koontz and O’Donnell

8 Factors that decide the span of Control suggested by Koontz and O’Donnell:

Koontz and O’Donnell spell out the following factors:

1. Subordinate Training:

If the subordinates are trained they need less time of the manager and fewer contracts.

2. Delegation of authority:

While delegating authority to the subordinates it must be clearly defined. ‘The most serious symptom of poor organisation affecting the span of management is inadequate or unclear authority delegation.

If a manager celery delegates authority to undertake a well-defined task, a well trained subordinate can get it done with a minimum of the superior’s time and attention’.

3. Planning:

If the plan is well defined, workable, within his capacity and if he has necessary authority to undertake it, a subordinate needs little time of his superior.

4. Rate of change:

Span of control is also decided by the rapidity of change in the enterprises. ‘The rate of change is important in determining the degree to which policies can be formulated and the stability of formulated policies maintained’.

5. Use of objective standards:

It is the duty of the manager to see that subordinates are following the plan properly. For this purpose he must use objective standards.

6. Communication Techniques:

If effective communication technique are used the frequency of superior -subordinate relationships could be reduced.

7. Amount of personal Contact:

Several of the problems could be solved by meeting the subordinates in person. Performances of the subordinates could also be assessed by having personal contacts.

8. The need for Balance:

A manager may have staff more than needed. An organisation may expand without proper staff. What is needed is a balance. ‘Widening spans and reducing levels may be the answer in some cases; the reverse may be true in others.

One must balance all the costs adopting one course or the other-not only the financial costs but costs in morale, personnel developments and the attainment of enterprise objectives.