What is considered the optimum span of control for a supervisor?

The optimum span of control for a supervisor is typically considered to be around five subordinates. This number allows supervisors to effectively manage their team without becoming overwhelmed, ensuring that they can provide appropriate guidance, support, and feedback to each subordinate. With a span of control of five, supervisors can maintain a high level of communication and oversight, enabling them to assess performance, address issues, and foster a collaborative environment.

When the span of control increases beyond five, the supervisor may struggle to provide adequate attention to each individual, which can lead to decreased productivity and a lack of cohesive team dynamics. Conversely, a span of control that is too small may indicate inefficient use of resources or personnel. Therefore, the five-subordinate benchmark serves as a balance that allows for effective leadership while maintaining a manageable workload for supervisors.