FUNCTIONS OF SUPERVISION ORGANISATION

Functions of Supervision Organisation

Functions of Supervision Organisation

Does supervision provide learning opportunties for a practitioner?

There are a number of interpretations of the word supervision, but normally supervision involves the activities performed by supervisors in overseeing the productivity and development of employees who account directly to the supervisor. For instance, a first-level supervisor will supervise entry-level employees. Regarding the extent of an organization, middle-managers will supervise first-level supervisors, while chief executives will supervise the middle-managers, etc. thus supervision is a managing activity and supervisors have management roles in an organization. (Rue and Byars, 2006, 42)

The supervision definitely provide learning opportunties for a practitioner. Collaborative learning is a pivotal benefit, with the supervisees having opportunities to be exposed to a variety of cases, interventions, and approaches to problem solving in the group (Hillerband, 1989). By viewing and being viewed, actively giving and receiving feedback, the supervisee's opportunities for experimental learning are expanded; this characterizes group supervision as a social modeling experience. From a relationship perspective, group supervision provides an atmosphere in which the supervisee learns to interact with peers in a way that encourages self-responsibility and increases mutuality between supervisor and supervisee.For example, there are numerous examples of people new to a craft or activity having to reveal their work to, and explore it with, masters or mistresses i.e. those recognized as skilled and wise. This process of being attached to an expert, of 'learning through doing' allows the novice to gain knowledge, skill and commitment. It also enables them to enter into a particular 'community of practice' such as tailoring or midwifery (see Lave and Wenger 1991). By spending time with practitioners, by 'looking over their shoulders', taking part in the routines and practices associated with the trade or activity, and having them explore our work, we become full members of the community of practice.

Occasionally, authors will exchange leadership and supervision. However, both activities are very much related. Supervision needs leadership. But leadership do not essentially have to entail supervision. Different theories and model have been put across t explain the various approaches used by supervisors and their role in an organization. This study paper will examine the theories and functions performed by supervisors in an organization or any other set up.

During the last couple of years, I have been approached by two organisations to design and deliver a supervision course for their middle and senior staff. One is an HIV/AIDS organisation and the majority of the supervisees are nurses and support staff. The other provides projects, support, mentoring and pupil development services to schools especially for deprived and vulnerable pupils. Although very different, both organisations had similar issues and requests. Both organisations were in the process of implementing a change and wanted a supervision model that would support this process. Although both organisations provide line management supervision, neither had a previous culture of clinical supervision. In addition, both organisations were concerned about possible staff resistance and suspicion. They aimed, they said, to create a culture and climate in ...