What term is the number of subordinates directly supervised by a single manager?

• A. Unity of command
• B. Span of control
• C. Field training
• D. Adverse impact

Answer: (B)

Span of control is the number of subordinates directly supervised by a single manager. This concept matters because it shapes how closely a supervisor can monitor performance, provide guidance, and communicate with the team. A wide span of control means many direct reports, which can stretch a manager thin and hinder supervision and quick decision-making. A narrow span adds more management layers, increasing costs but often improving oversight and support. Unity of command is about ensuring each subordinate reports to only one supervisor, which prevents conflicting instructions but doesn’t specify how many people a manager oversees. Field training concerns on-the-job training programs for officers, and adverse impact refers to discriminatory effects of policies or tests. So the term that best fits the description is span of control.