What is the term for the number of people one supervisor can effectively manage?

The term that refers to the number of people one supervisor can effectively manage is known as the span of control. This concept is crucial in organizational structures, particularly in the context of emergency services and firefighting. A supervisor’s span of control impacts how effectively they can oversee their team, communicate information, and maintain operational efficiency.

An optimal span of control allows for clear lines of communication and quick decision-making, which are essential in critical situations such as firefighting where teams need to respond swiftly and effectively. If a supervisor has too many direct reports, it can lead to challenges in managing the team, resulting in slowed response times and potential safety hazards.

It's important to note the distinction with related terms. While "span of command" is often used interchangeably in conversation, it reflects more of the authority structure in hierarchical organizations. On the other hand, "command hierarchy" and "management ratio" refer to broader organizational structures and relationships rather than the specific supervisory aspect captured by span of control.