Observations on the Span of Control

Data are presented on spans of control in colleges and small companies. It appears that sizes of spans are very similar and also that there is a small positive correlation between the size of organization and the size of span. Classical explanations of limits on span of control are reviewed, and an additional explanation based on clique behavior is suggested. Doris R. Entwisle is a postdoctoral fellow of the social science research council, department of education; John Walton is chairman of the department of education, The Johns Hopkins University.