Supervision

The essentials

Supervision means overseeing the work of subordinates to ensure that it is being done according to plans and instructions. It is part of directing and is performed by managers at all levels, but it is most important at the first-line level, where supervisors deal directly with workers. A supervisor is the link between management and workers.

Key points

• Importance of supervision: maintains day-to-day friendly relations with workers; acts as a link between workers and management, passing on management's ideas to workers and workers' problems to management; helps maintain group unity by settling disputes; ensures that work is done according to targets; provides on-the-job training; builds high morale through good leadership; and analyses work done and gives feedback.
• The supervisor is in the best position to judge workers' performance because of direct, daily contact.
• Good supervision leads to better use of resources, fewer accidents and higher productivity.

Exam tips

• A case where a supervisor teaches a new worker how to operate a machine on the shop floor shows 'provides on-the-job training'.
• A supervisor who passes workers' complaints about canteen food to the HR manager is acting as a link between workers and management.

Common mistakes

• Saying supervision is done only by top managers. It is a part of every manager's job, and especially of first-line managers.
• Confusing supervision with controlling. Supervision is overseeing people during work; controlling compares results with standards.