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Which is a drawback of a wide span of control?
ATop management becomes isolated from the work
BEmployee autonomy is discouraged across the firm
CManagers may lack familiarity with subordinates
DThe structure becomes more expensive to operate
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Managers may lack familiarity with subordinates
1. A wide span gives fewer levels of management, quicker decisions, greater flexibility, and higher job satisfaction from empowerment.
2. Its disadvantages include less control and managers lacking familiarity with subordinates due to the large number.
3. Managers can also be spread so thin that they cannot provide the necessary leadership or support.
4. Isolated top management, discouraged autonomy, and higher cost are all listed against the narrow span.
_Source: OpenStax Introduction to Business (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Designing Organizational Structures", section 7.4 Span of Control_
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