According to NIMS, what is the optimal number of people one supervisor can effectively manage?

The correct answer, which indicates that one supervisor can effectively manage a maximum of 5 people, is based on the principles of organizational management and efficiency within the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This number is derived from research on supervisory capacity that suggests a smaller span of control enhances communication and oversight. When a supervisor manages too many individuals, it can lead to a decrease in effectiveness due to the increased complexity of communication, decision-making, and coordination.

In emergency management contexts, where NIMS is applied, maintaining an effective span of control is crucial for ensuring clear lines of authority, accountability, and rapid response to incidents. By limiting the number of direct reports to five, supervisors can maintain closer relationships with team members, manage workloads more effectively, and better ensure that all team members are adequately supported. This structure also helps in maintaining focus on operational objectives and allows for more efficient decision-making processes, which is particularly important during emergencies where conditions can change rapidly.

While other choices may still reflect broader supervisory principles or might be relevant in different management frameworks, staying within the 5-person guideline is key to optimizing management effectiveness in the context of NIMS.