Supervising complex interdependent work processes

Description

"Many organizational theorists have argued that supervision is increasingly obsolete. One of the main supporting arguments is that a growing proportion of tasks are complex and interdependent and that such tasks are best managed by teams with little supervision. I explore one prototypical process, and find that it functions best with smaller rather than larger spans of control."

Subjects

Series Statement

• Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 96-047