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How does the number of worker locations affect the optimal span of control?
AMore locations call for a narrower span
BMore locations call for a wider span
CLocations do not affect the span at all
DLocations matter only in factory settings
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. More locations call for a narrower span
1. Five factors determine the optimal span of control, and one of them is the location of the workers.
2. The more locations there are, the narrower the span of control should be.
3. A manager supervising staff scattered across sites cannot watch as many people as one supervising a single site.
4. The rule is stated in general terms, so it is not restricted to factories.
5. Task complexity and required feedback narrow the span in the same way.
6. Only delegation ability and worker skill and motivation widen it.
_Source: OpenStax Introduction to Business (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Designing Organizational Structures", section 7.5 Degree of Centralization_
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