Final answer:
The correct answers are options b,c and d. The optimal span of control should balance efficiency and management oversight: It should avoid being excessively wide or too narrow, allowing for effective management without overcontrol. In the information age's more team-oriented and flat structures, an optimal span ensures efficiency and adaptability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of an optimal span of control are centered around maintaining balance to achieve efficiency in management. This concept is particularly relevant in modern organizations that aim to optimize efficiency and productivity through effective leadership and management structures.
When considering the span of control, the following characteristics are desirable:
- It should be wide enough to avoid an excessive number of managers overseeing a small number of employees. This prevents unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and promotes efficiency.
- It should not be so narrow that it leads to overcontrol, which can stifle employee autonomy and lead to inefficiencies.
- It should be narrow enough to permit managers to maintain control over their subordinates, ensuring effective oversight and guidance.
Historically, organizations during the Industrial Revolution required a clear chain of command due to the nature of mass production and assembly line work. However, as we have transitioned into the information age, the need for rigid hierarchies has decreased, and there is a greater emphasis on flat organizational structures, team-based approaches, and transformational leadership styles.
Therefore, the correct options that describe an optimal span of control would be 'b', 'c', and 'd', as they collectively promote a functional and adaptable management approach that aligns with modern workplace dynamics.