What is the span of management?

The correct answer highlights the span of management as the number of direct reports a manager oversees. This concept is crucial in organizational structure and management theory, as it determines the number of employees that a manager can effectively supervise. A wider span of management can lead to more autonomy for employees, as managers oversee many direct reports, while a narrow span allows for closer supervision and support.

Understanding this concept is essential for optimizing organizational effectiveness, as different spans of management can influence communication, decision-making, and overall team dynamics. Managers need to balance their spans to ensure they can provide adequate support and direction without becoming overwhelmed. This balance affects not only the manager's workload but also impacts employee engagement and productivity.