Span of control of construction foreman: Situational analysis

The function of the crew foreman has not received the degree of attention in research the crucial role in construction deserves. In this study, we investigate aspects of the foreman’s role that have strong implications on the productivity of the crew. By enquiring into how the foreman divides workaday time between various functions and activities, how these are affected by the size of the crew, what factors determine the span of control, and what effect the size of the crew has on its performance, the study has come to the conclusion that: (1) The size of the crew and the managerial assistance, if given, affect the mode of daily activities; (2) the size of the crew can vary considerably, depending on circumstances; (3) the size of the crew can affect its performance; and, finally, (4) the size of the crew has to be adapted to prevailing conditions.