Which of the following is a factor that affects organizational design?

Span of control is a critical factor that affects organizational design because it determines the number of subordinates that a manager can effectively oversee. In the context of organizational structure, a narrower span of control might create a taller organization with more levels of management, while a wider span can lead to a flatter organization with fewer management levels. A well-defined span of control can enhance communication, streamline decision-making, and improve efficiency within an organization.

When considering organizational design, it's essential to optimize the span of control to match the complexity of operations and the capabilities of managers. An appropriate span can foster a supportive environment for both managers and employees, thereby facilitating better performance and job satisfaction.

Other factors such as financial investment, market competition, and customer feedback do play roles in influencing overall business strategy and operations, but they do not directly dictate the structural aspects of an organization in the same way that span of control does. These elements might inform decisions about resource allocation or strategic direction but won't inherently shape the hierarchy or management structure as span of control does.