Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

How does non-supervisory work affect a manager's span of control?

1. The span of control increases with more non-supervisory work

2. The span of control remains unchanged regardless of workload

3. The span of control narrows with more non-supervisory work

4. The span of control is irrelevant to workload

The correct answer is: The span of control narrows with more non-supervisory work

When considering how non-supervisory work impacts a manager's span of control, it's essential to recognize that the span of control refers to the number of direct reports a manager can effectively oversee. Non-supervisory work, which typically encompasses tasks not directly related to managing employees—such as administrative duties or individualized project work—can lead to an increase in the manager's workload. As the amount of non-supervisory work increases, the manager may find it more challenging to provide adequate attention and support to each direct report. This increased workload can strain the manager's ability to lead effectively, thus necessitating a narrower span of control to ensure that the manager can maintain quality oversight, provide timely feedback, and engage collaboratively with their team members. In essence, a manager stretched too thin by non-supervisory responsibilities is likely to have a reduced capacity to actively manage a larger group of employees. Therefore, non-supervisory work impacts the effectiveness of a manager's supervisory role, leading to a need for a more focused approach, which ultimately narrows the span of control.