What term describes the number of people that one person can effectively supervise?

The term that describes the number of people that one person can effectively supervise is known as span of control. This concept is critical in organizational management and reflects on the optimal number of subordinates that a manager can oversee while still ensuring effective communication, leadership, and support.

A wider span of control typically indicates a more decentralized structure, where a manager oversees many employees, which can encourage autonomy and faster decision-making. Conversely, a narrow span may allow for closer supervision and more personalized attention to each subordinate, often resulting in detailed guidance but potentially slowing down decision-making. Understanding span of control is fundamental in structuring teams and determining the efficacy of leadership in any organization.

The other terms, while related to organizational structures and functions, do not specifically refer to the supervisory capacity of an individual. Hierarchy refers to the levels of authority within an organization. Management ratio and command structure are broader concepts that do not focus specifically on supervision.