When a manager's span of control is increased, what is a likely result?

When a manager's span of control is increased, a likely result is an increase in the responsibility of subordinates. As a manager supervises more employees, the direct oversight and involvement from the manager may decrease for each individual employee. This shift often necessitates that subordinates take on greater responsibility for their own work and decision-making. Employees are required to be more self-reliant and proactive, as they may not receive as much direct guidance from the manager due to the larger number of direct reports.

In this context, the increase in responsibilities can lead to both challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth among team members. It encourages employees to develop their skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and assume more ownership over their tasks and outcomes. This empowerment is crucial in a wider span of control scenario, where managerial attention is distributed over more individuals. Therefore, understanding this dynamic is essential for effective management and team development.