Which term describes the number of subordinates reporting to a manager?

• A. Chain of Command
• B. Hierarchy
• C. Span of Control
• D. Workload

Answer: (C)

The number of subordinates reporting to a manager is called the span of control. This concept captures how many direct reports a manager oversees, which influences supervision style, communication, and organizational structure. A wide span of control means many subordinates per manager, which can flatten the hierarchy and reduce costs but may limit close guidance. A narrow span of control means fewer subordinates per manager, leading to more layers and closer supervision. The other terms describe different ideas: chain of command is the path of authority from top to bottom, hierarchy is the arrangement of levels, and workload refers to the amount of work assigned.