Timeliness: How Span of Control Facilitates Timely Decision-Making

Giurge, L M, van Dijke, M and Zheng, X (2015) Timeliness: How Span of Control Facilitates Timely Decision-Making. [Conference proceeding]

Abstract

This research empirically introduces and explores the concept of timeliness, i.e., making decisions in a time-appropriate manner depending on situational velocity. Building on the situated focus theory of power (Guinote, 2007, 2010), we predicted that span of control (i.e., number of subordinates) facilitates timeliness such that organizational managers with a wide span of control decide fast when fast action is needed (i.e., high situational velocity) but also slowly when slow action is needed (i.e., low situational velocity). We also argued that the role of wide (vs. narrow) span of control in facilitating timeliness is explained (mediated) by subjectively experienced power. Results from two experience-sampling studies conducted in the US and Europe provided partial support for our predictions. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.