Final answer:
Span of control refers to the number of subordinates directly reporting to a manager, affecting management efficiency and organizational structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'span of control' refers to the number of employees directly reporting to a manager. This concept is important in understanding organizational structure and the efficiency of management. A narrow span of control means a manager has a small number of subordinates directly under their supervision, which can lead to close supervision and support but may also involve micromanagement. In contrast, a wide span of control indicates a manager has many subordinates, which can foster autonomy but might also lead to overextended managers.