Which term denotes the number of subordinates that report to one manager?

Which term denotes the number of subordinates that report to one manager?

• A. Lead time
• B. Meeting
• C. The span of control
• D. Motivation

Answer: (C)

The span of control is the number of subordinates who report directly to one manager. This concept helps determine how many people a manager can effectively supervise and influences how flat or tall an organization is. A wider span of control means more direct reports, which can speed up decisions and reduce layers if subordinates are skilled and work tasks are standardized. A narrower span means fewer direct reports, allowing closer supervision but creating more management layers. The other choices don’t fit because lead time refers to the time it takes to complete a process, a meeting is a gathering, and motivation is the drive to act; none describe how many subordinates report to a manager.

The span of control is the number of subordinates who report directly to one manager. This concept helps determine how many people a manager can effectively supervise and influences how flat or tall an organization is. A wider span of control means more direct reports, which can speed up decisions and reduce layers if subordinates are skilled and work tasks are standardized. A narrower span means fewer direct reports, allowing closer supervision but creating more management layers. The other choices don’t fit because lead time refers to the time it takes to complete a process, a meeting is a gathering, and motivation is the drive to act; none describe how many subordinates report to a manager.