An accepted span of control is ____________ people.

• A. 2-5
• B. 3-7
• C. 5-8
• D. 6-10

Answer: (B)

Span of control is the number of direct reports a supervisor can effectively manage at one time. An accepted span of control is 3 to 7 people, with 5 often considered ideal for many situations. This range supports clear communication, effective supervision, and safer, more timely decision-making on incidents. If the span is too small, supervision can be inefficient and underutilize personnel; if it’s too large, important details can be missed, communication can degrade, and safety risks increase. Factors like task complexity, hazard level, distance between crew, and the training level of subordinates can shift the appropriate span, but 3–7 remains the standard guidance.