IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023
Nursing Management & leadership
Easy
The number of subordinates that a manager or supervisor can effectively supervise is known as:
Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023
Explanation
- Span of control is a management principle that refers to the number of subordinates who report directly to a manager.
- This concept is fundamental to organizational design, as it influences decision-making speed, communication efficiency, and the level of supervision.
- A well-defined span of control ensures that managers can provide adequate support, guidance, and oversight to their team without being overwhelmed.
- The appropriate span depends on factors like the complexity of the work, the skills of the employees, and the experience of the manager.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: Chain of command defines the hierarchy and reporting lines (who reports to whom) within an organization, not the number of subordinates a single manager supervises.
- Option B: Line authority refers to the direct power a manager has to give orders and make decisions. It describes the nature of the authority, not the quantity of people being managed.
- Option D: A control panel is a user interface for operating machinery or software. It is an irrelevant term in the context of organizational management principles.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Management Principles: Span of Control as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- In a nursing context, a unit manager's span of control is critical. A manager with too many direct reports (a wide span) on a high-acuity unit like an ICU may not be able to provide adequate support, leading to potential safety issues and staff burnout.
- Conversely, a very narrow span of control in a stable, low-acuity setting can lead to micromanagement and inefficient use of leadership resources.
- What if? - If the subordinates are highly experienced, self-directed senior nurses and the tasks are routine, a wider span of control is more efficient and appropriate because less direct supervision is required.
How to Approach the Question
- First, analyze the question to identify the core concept. The keywords are "number of subordinates" and "effectively supervise."
- This is a definition-based recall question from management theory.
- Consider each option's definition. 'Chain of command' is about hierarchy. 'Line authority' is about power. 'Control panel' is an unrelated technical term.
- Evaluate 'span of control'. This term specifically refers to the number of employees a manager can effectively manage.
- The definition of 'span of control' directly matches the description provided in the question stem.
- Therefore, select 'span of control' as the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Management Principles: Span of Control
- Stem keywords: subordinates, manager, supervisor, effectively supervise
- Lead-in keywords: known as
Question ID
QER1egCqBC5TQnjt2_MeW7
Reference Book
E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart A (pp 26-339 of 1017) pp. 183-185, 174-176
E6 Nursing_Management_and_leadership_Johny_Kutty_JosephCbs_Publishers (pp 16-364 of 374) p. 63-65
Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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