What is an overall effect of having a narrow span of control in an organization?

A narrow span of control means that a manager supervises a small number of employees. This structure can lead to an increased managerial workload because the manager is responsible for a limited number of direct reports, requiring more hands-on management, guidance, and interaction with each subordinate. While this can foster closer relationships and more direct support, it also means that the manager may be spending more time on individuals rather than effectively overseeing a more extensive team.

This focused attention can lead to better communication and understanding of each worker's needs, but it can also result in the manager being overwhelmed with responsibilities, limiting their ability to focus on broader organizational issues. Comparatively, a wider span of control might dilute the manager's focus, decreasing their workload but potentially negatively impacting oversight and communication.

Thus, the implication of a narrow span of control is that while it may enhance individual attention, it can inadvertently add to the overall burden on management, culminating in a heavier workload.