What aspect of an organization does the span of control primarily address?

The span of control primarily addresses the direct reports to a specific manager or supervisor. This concept refers to the number of subordinates that report directly to a single manager. A narrower span of control typically means that a manager oversees fewer employees, allowing for more intense supervision and potentially closer management of each employee's performance. Conversely, a wider span of control means that a manager oversees more employees, which can lead to more autonomy for employees but may also result in less direct oversight.

Understanding span of control is crucial for organizational management as it impacts communication, operational efficiency, and management styles. A well-structured span of control can lead to effective team dynamics and clearer responsibilities, thereby enhancing team performance and productivity.