What does the term "optimum span of control" refer to in management?

The term "optimum span of control" refers to the ideal number of subordinates that a manager can effectively supervise. This concept is crucial in organizational management as it balances the workload on managers while ensuring that they can provide adequate guidance and support to their staff. An optimum span allows managers to maintain effective communication, oversight, and support for their team members, which contributes to improved productivity and morale.

In practice, if a manager has too many direct reports, it may lead to decreased supervision and support for individuals, resulting in feelings of neglect and poor performance. Conversely, too few subordinates can lead to underutilization of management resources. Thus, understanding and applying the concept of optimum span of control helps to create a more efficient and effective management structure within an organization.