Graicunas Theory Of Bridge Of Command - Illustration Together With 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 inwards Organisation." In this paper, he mentioned 3 types of Superior-Subordinate relationships, viz.,

1. Direct Single Relationships,
2. Direct Group Relationships, and
3. Cross Relationships.

According to V.A. Graicunas, equally the issue of subordinates increases arithmetically (like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) the issue of relationships which the superior has to command besides increases near geometrically (like 1, 6, 18, 44, 100, 244, etc.). Therefore, a superior tin solely command a express issue of subordinates, in addition to anything beyond this trammel is really difficult to control.

Example of Graicunas Theory

V.A. Graicunas Theory tin move explained alongside the aid of this unproblematic example.

For example, catch 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 two straight unmarried relationships.

(b) Direct Group Relationship :-

G alongside K inwards presence of S, in addition to G alongside south inwards presence of M, i.e. a full of two straight grouping relationships.

(c) Cross Relationships :-

M alongside S, in addition to south alongside M, i.e. ane time to a greater extent than a full of two cross relationships.

Therefore, full issue of relationships which Gaurav (G) has to command are:- two + two + two = 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 move 18.

Graicunas Formula

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

By using Graicunas formula, nosotros tin discovery 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) in addition to thus the issue of relationships (r) which he has to command tin move calculated equally follows:-

The higher upward tabular array or nautical chart was prepared yesteryear using Graicunas formula.

According to V.A. Graicunas, when the issue of subordinates increases in addition to thus in that place is an increment inwards the Direct Single Relationships, Direct Group Relationships in addition to Cross Relationships.

So, equally the issue of subordinates increases arithmetically, the issue of relationships amidst them besides increases near geometrically.

So, according to him, a top-level managing director tin effectively grapple solely 222 relationships. Therefore, a top-level managing director should non bring to a greater extent than than half-dozen subordinates. Similarly, a lower-level managing director should non bring to a greater extent than than twenty subordinates.

Limitations of Graicunas Theory

The Graicunas Theory is criticised because of the next reasons:-

1. He gives to a greater extent than importance to the numerical factor.
2. He gives to a greater extent than importance to the relationships.