Which principle of organization focuses on the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage?

The principle that focuses on the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage is known as span of control. This concept refers to the optimal number of direct reports or subordinates a leader should oversee to maintain efficient and effective supervision.

Having an appropriate span of control is critical because it impacts communication, management efficiency, and the ability to provide adequate support and guidance to team members. If a supervisor has too many direct reports, they may become overwhelmed, leading to decreased oversight and potential neglect of team members' needs. Conversely, if the span of control is too narrow, it can result in unnecessary layers of management and increased operational costs.

In organizational settings, especially in emergency services like firefighting operations, maintaining an effective span of control is essential for command and decision-making processes, ensuring that leaders can provide effective oversight without becoming overloaded. This principle is a fundamental consideration in establishing organizational structures and fire ground operations.