Mike Morrell is a production supervisor in Porco Rosso, an aircraft manufacturing firm. After evaluating Mike's managerial capabilities, some members of the senior management feel that average productivity would improve if more workers were assigned to him. However, some managers are skeptical about Mike's ability to handle more workers.
-Which of the following is a drawback of a narrow span of control?
A) It increases effectiveness.
B) It is more expensive.
C) It encourages employee autonomy.
D) It decreases the number levels in the organizational hierarchy.
E) It increases participatory decision making.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Narrow spans have three major drawbacks. First, they're expensive because they add levels of management. Second, they make vertical communication in the organization more complex. The added levels of hierarchy slow down decision making and tend to isolate upper management. Third, narrow spans encourage overly tight supervision and discourage employee autonomy.

Mike Morrell Is a Production Supervisor in Porco Rosso, an Aircraft