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Learn what span of control means in the Incident Command System (ICS) and how to determine the optimal ratio of supervisors to subordinates. Find out how to adjust the span of control based on the type, nature, and hazards of the incident.
- NIMS Management: Manageable Span of Control - FEMA
NIMS Management: Manageable Span of Control. The optimal...
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) 2017 Learning Materials - FEMA
Manageable Span of Control. NIMS 2008 states that “in ICS,...
- NIMS Management: Manageable Span of Control - FEMA
Span of control refers to the number of subordinates that directly report to a supervisor. Maintaining an appropriate span of control ensures effective incident management by enabling supervisors to: Direct and supervise subordinates. Communicate with and manage resources.
NIMS Management: Manageable Span of Control. The optimal span of control for incident management is one supervisor to five subordinates; however, effective incident management frequently necessitates ratios significantly different from this.
Manageable Span of Control. NIMS 2008 states that “in ICS, the span of control of any individual with incident management supervisory responsibility should range from 3 to 7 subordinates, with 5 being optimal. During a large-scale law enforcement operation, 8 to 10 subordinates may be optimal.“.
The optimal span of control for incident management is one supervisor to five subordinates; however, effective incident management frequently necessitates ratios significantly different from this.
To maintain a manageable span of control, the initial responding Incident Commander (IC) may determine it necessary to delegate functional management to one or more Section Chiefs. The Section Chiefs may further delegate management authority for their areas, as required.
Management studies have shown that the span of control for a supervisor falls within a range of three (3) to seven (7), depending upon the skills of the supervisor and the complexity of the task being overseen.
