What does the term "span of control" refer to in NIMS?

The term "span of control" in NIMS refers specifically to the number of personnel that one supervisor can effectively manage. This concept is fundamental to the structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) because it ensures that each supervisor has a manageable number of subordinates. A well-defined span of control allows supervisors to maintain effective communication, oversight, and support, fostering a clear chain of command and facilitating an efficient response to incidents.

Maintaining an optimal span of control is critical as it helps prevent confusion and ensures that each subordinate receives adequate attention and guidance. This structure also enhances the effectiveness of the response by promoting accountability and ensuring that the supervisors can effectively lead their teams, assess situations, and make informed decisions.

The other options focus on different aspects of management and organization within ICS, such as authority, overall team size, and command hierarchy, but they do not define "span of control," which is a vital concept for managing personnel effectively during incidents.