The span of supervision refers to which of the following?

The span of supervision is defined as the number of subordinates that a manager is responsible for overseeing within an organization. This concept is crucial in management as it affects decision-making, communication, and the efficiency of the organization. A larger span of supervision may suggest that a manager has many direct reports, which can facilitate quick communication and reduce management costs, while a smaller span enables more individualized attention and support for each subordinate.

In the context of this question, understanding the span of supervision helps in assessing the organizational structure and can influence management style and operational efficiency. It allows supervisors to manage effectively while balancing their resources and time.