Graicunas Theory Of Bridge Of Command - Example As Well As Formula

Graicunas Theory of Span of Control

Vytautas Andrius Graiciunas (1898-1952) was a Lithuanian french management consultant, management theorist in addition to engineer.

Image Credits © Verslo Naujienos.

In 1933, he published a newspaper called "Relationship inward Organisation." In this paper, he mentioned 3 types of Superior-Subordinate relationships, viz.,

Direct Single Relationships,
Direct Group Relationships, and
Cross Relationships.

According to V.A. Graicunas, every bit the issue of subordinates increases arithmetically (like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) the issue of relationships which the superior has to command too increases close geometrically (like 1, 6, 18, 44, 100, 244, etc.). Therefore, a superior tin entirely command a express issue of subordinates, in addition to anything beyond this restrain is real difficult to control.

Example of Graicunas Theory

V.A. Graicunas Theory tin hold out explained alongside the assistance of this unproblematic example.

For example, reckon Gaurav (G) is a superior (boss) in addition to Manoj (M) in addition to Sameer (S) are his subordinates (juniors or lower-grade employees).

According to V.A. Graicunas, Gaurav (G) has to command next 3 types of relationships, alongside or amidst Manoj (M) in addition to Sameer (S):-

(a) Direct Single Relationships :-

G alongside M, in addition to G alongside S, i.e. a full of ii straight unmarried relationships.

(b) Direct Group Relationship :-

G alongside chiliad inward presence of S, in addition to G alongside due south inward presence of M, i.e. a full of ii straight grouping relationships.

(c) Cross Relationships :-

M alongside S, in addition to due south alongside M, i.e. ane time again a full of ii cross relationships.

Therefore, full issue of relationships which Gaurav (G) has to command are:- ii + ii + ii = half-dozen relationships.

Thus, when the issue of subordinates is 2, the issue of relationships, which the superior (boss) has to command is 6. Similarly, when the issue of subordinates is 3, the issue of relationships to command volition hold out 18.

Graicunas Formula

V.A. Graicunas has explained his principle alongside the assistance of the this formula:-

By using Graicunas formula, nosotros tin notice out the issue of relationships (r), if the issue of subordinates (n) is given.

• Example of Graicunas Formula ↓

Consider this e.g. If a superior has v subordinates (n=5) hence the issue of relationships (r) which he has to command tin hold out calculated every bit follows:-

The inward a higher house tabular array or nautical chart was prepared past times using Graicunas formula.

According to V.A. Graicunas, when the issue of subordinates increases hence at that topographic point is an increment inward the Direct Single Relationships, Direct Group Relationships in addition to Cross Relationships.

So, every bit the issue of subordinates increases arithmetically, the issue of relationships amidst them too increases close geometrically.

So, according to him, a top-level managing director tin effectively create produce entirely 222 relationships. Therefore, a top-level managing director should non accept to a greater extent than than half-dozen subordinates. Similarly, a lower-level managing director should non accept to a greater extent than than xx subordinates.