Work

Performance, Career Dynamics, and Span of Control

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper we focus on a classic idea concerning span of control, which is that a prime driver is the scale of operations effect. We extend the theory concerning the scale of operations effect by allowing firms’ beliefs concerning a manager’s ability to evolve over the manager’s career. We empirically investigate the resulting testable predictions using a unique single-firm data set that contains detailed information concerning the reporting relationships at the firm. Our empirical analysis supports the notion that the scale of operations effect and learning are both important determinants of a firm’s span of control.

Source: Journal of Labor Economics

DOI: 10.1086/703147

Authors: Valerie Smeets, Michael Waldman, Frederic Warzynski

Institutions: Aarhus University, Cornell University

Language: English

Topic: Accounting and Organizational Management

Subfield: Management Information Systems

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W145318593