The document discusses the concept of supervision in nursing management, emphasizing its role in guiding and controlling staff to meet predetermined objectives. It outlines the definitions, nature, objectives, types, principles, and significance of supervision, along with various supervisory styles and techniques. Effective supervision is portrayed as essential for enhancing staff performance, fostering professional development, and bridging the gap between management and workers.

1. UNIT-VIII
SUPERVISION AND
MANAGEMENT
DR.ANJALATCHI MUTHUKUMARAN
VICE PRINCIPAL
ERA COLLEGE OF NURSING .

2. INTRODUCTIONN
 Supervision is direction, guidance
and control of working force with
a view to see that they are
working according to plan and
are keeping time schedule.
 Further, they are getting all
possible help in accomplishing
their assigned work.

3. MEANING
 ‘Supervision’ comprises two words,
namely ‘super’, that is, superior or extra,
and ‘vision’, that is, sight or perspective.
The literal meaning of the term
‘supervision’ is to ‘oversee’ or ‘to inspect
the work of other persons’.
 Thus, ‘supervision’ refers to an act by
which any person inspects or supervises
the work of other people, that is,
whether they are working properly or not.
 In management supervision means
“Overseeing the subordinates at work

4. DEFINITIONS
 According to Vitiates – “Supervision refers to the direct
and immediate guidance and control of subordinates in the
performance of their task.” Thus, the supervision is
concerned with three main functions of management, i.e.,
direction, immediate guidance and control with a view —
(1) To see, they are working, according to plans, policies,
programmes, instructions and the time schedule,
(2) To guide them at the work if they are doing something
inconsistent to directions given and need help so as to let
them able to accomplish their assigned task, and
(3) To give them directions to get the work done, if necessary.

5.  According to G.R. Terry ,Supervision is the
task of achieving the desired results by
means of intelligent utilisation of human
talents and utilising resources in a manner
that provides a challenge to human talent.
It is concerned with initiating action,
putting into effect the plan and decision by
stimulation of the human resources of the
enterprise.
 According to Jean Barret , supervision is
kind of teaching which involves advising ,
helping , inspiring , leading and liberating.

6.  According to Margaret Williamson –
Supervision is process by which
workers are helped by designated staff
member to learn according to the
needs to make the best use of their
knowledge and skills and to improve
their abilities so that they do their job
more effectively and increase
satisfaction to themselves and to the
agency.

7. Nature of Supervision
 Supervision earlier conceived as
Inspecting and finding fault.
 Supervision is much more than inspection
 Now the modern concept of supervision is
to guide and help the subordinates in
their work by training, educating, guiding
and counseling.
 Supervision includes inspecting another
work, evaluating his/her performance and
approving / correcting performance.

8. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF
SUPERVISION
Purpose:
 To help the personnel to grow,
 to know themselves and what they
need in order to render the most
efficient service
 and to give them assistance in
acquiring knowledge and techniques
necessary for self-development.

9. The objectives of supervision include the following:
1) Meeting the predetermined work objectives of
providing quality nursing care to patients in a
hospital or for preventive, promotive and
rehabilitative care to people in the community.
2) Ensuring that the subordinate staff or supervisee
does what she is supposed to do.
3) Promoting motivation and morale among all the
nursing staff.
4) Promoting team work as nursing care is one of the
components of the total care of a patient which
can be most effective if provided by the team.
5) Bridging the gap between the workers' personal
goals and organizational goals by providing

10. Types
Generally there are two types of
supervision
 Direct Supervision
 Indirect Supervision

11. Direct Supervision
 Direct observation means concurrent observation of
the workers ex:, nurses while they are performing
various nursing tasks. Thus on the spot appraisal of
the nurses as well as their performance is done in
this method.
Important point to be remembered while direct
supervision
 Do not loose temper
 Use democratic approach
 Give chance to worker to reply
 Do not talk too much or fast
 Be human

12. Indirect Supervision
 With help of record and report of worker
 Ensure every worker is carrying out
allotted work as per plan
 Analyze monthly progress report of
worker.
 Providing support and guidance to all
worker
 Ensure that worker is utilizing full
capacity in job.

13. PRINCIPLES
 Supervision should not be
overburdened to any individual or
group.
 Supervision causing unreasonable
pressure for achievements results in
low performance and low
confidence in the supervisor.
 Well planned
 Focus on attainment of goal

14.  Supervisors should create atmosphere of
cordially and mutual trust.
 Supervision should be planned and adopted
to the changing conditions. It calls for good
planned and organization.
 Supervisor must possess sound professional
knowledge.
 Supervision to be exercised without giving
the subordinate a sense that they are being
supervised.
 Supervision strives to make the unit a good
learning situation. It should be a teaching-
learning process.

15.  Supervision should foster the ability of each
staff member to think and act for
herself/himself.
 Supervision should encourages worker’s
participation in decision making.
 Supervision needs good communication.
 Supervision should have strength to influence
downwards depends on capacity to influence
upwards.
 Supervision is a process of cooperation and
coordination.
 Supervision should create suitable climate for
productive work.

16.  Supervision should give autonomy to workers
depending from personality, competence and
characteristics.
 Supervision should respect the personality of
the staff.
 Supervision should stimulate the workers/staff
ambitions to grow in effectiveness.
 Supervision should focus on continued growth
and development.
 Supervision is responsible for checking and
guidance.
 Good leadership is part of good supervision.

18. Technical Vs. Creative Supervision
 Technical methods are some of the basic
supervisory skills which need to be trained.
Group conferences, group discussions. For
example, techniques of service study,
record construction, time study etc.
 Creative supervision provides maximum
adaptation to the situation. For example,
instead of an orientation period of two
weeks for each new staff member, a
variable plan in both contents and time
according to the needs of each individual
should be formulated.

19.  Co-operative Vs. Authoritarian Supervision -In
co-operative supervision there is a full
participation of each member of the group in
planning, action and decision where as in
authoritarian supervision responsibility centers
entirely on the supervisor, with the staff following
his / her orders. Both are needed according to
situation and circumstances.
 Scientific Vs. Intuitive Supervision- Scientific
supervision relies on objective study and
measurement than personal judgment or opinion.
Where as intuitive supervision needs to be
maintain the interpersonal relationship. The
supervision needs a sensitive

20. Tools and techniques of
supervision

21. Common Techniques & Tools of
Supervision are:
i) Observation, e.g. through field visit, spot-
checking.
ii) Supervisory Rounds: Rounds should be
constructive in criticism and may be
followed by group discussions or
conferences.
iii) Individual and / or Group Conferences:
Group conferences are: Meetings in which
all members take part in the discussion of
a Planned outline, under the guidance of
a leader who has previously determined
the objective he wants to achieve /

22. vi) Written Policies, printed
manuals, bulletin boards, etc.
vii) Reports written / or verbal
viii) Records including anecdotal
records.
ix) Follow-up visits and evaluation.
x) Staff meeting.
xi) In-service education

23. STAGES/PROCESS
Techniques are based on three
stages:-
• Stage one : “Preparation for
supervision”
• Stage two :- “ Supervision “
• Stage three “Follow up of
supervision”

24. STAGE ONE :
PREPARATION FOR SUPERVISION
Relevant Problems which may arise.
• The performance of individual members of staff
• The effective utilization and management of limited resources
covering 3 Ms. i.e manpower, material and money. In other words
these refer to human. material and financial resources.
Proper preparation includes the following activities
• Study of documents, (manpower list, m/c technical specifications,
mine conditions etc)
• Identification of priority for supervision. Prioritise areas, activities
and tasks related to nursing care services in a hospital or in a
community which should be supervised.
• Preparation of supervision schedule .

25. STAGE TWO :
SUPERVISION
After the preparation; supervisory work is
done .
In this stage the tools which are to use may
include:
• Job description
• Task description
• Weekly time table
• Checklist and or rating scale for each task

26. As a supervisor you are expected to perform
the following activities in this stage:
i) Establishing Contacts . (with persons u
need to interact regularly viz service
engineers, drivers, over man / foreman
etc.
ii.) Review of the objectives , targets and
norms .
iii. Review the job description. (suggest
changes in any).
iv. Observe the staff’s motivation .
v. Observe for any potential conflicts .

27. STAGE THREE :
FOLLOW UP OF SUPERVISION
Each supervisor must prepare a report on the observations made during
supervision. This report is used as a tool for taking follow up actions
which may include:
• Reorganization of time –table/workplan/duty roster
• Organizing in-service training programmes /continuing education
programmes for workers under your control. ( if u have found
shortcomings)
• Initiating changes in logistic support or supply system . ( if u have
found shortcomings)
• Initiating actions for organizing staff welfare activities. (without
much interference from ur boss)
• Counseling and guidance regarding career development and
professional growth.

28. Styles of supervision
 Task Centered
 Employee Centered Supervison
There are three other supervisory
styles :
 An autocratic or critical supervisor
 A benevolent supervisor
 A democratic supervisor

29.  Task Centered- When the supervisor
emphasizes the task more than the
performer whom she/he supervised. This
type of supervisors probably believe that
'Ends' are more important than the 'Means‘
 Employee Centered Supervisor - Such
supervisors are people oriented. They
believe that concern for workers/staff,
their needs and welfare is very important.
Therefore, if employees are well taken
care of, they will be able to work well and
be capable of taking on responsibilities

30. OTHER
 An autocratic or critical supervisor who can not tolerate any
deviation from norms, lack of quality in work, lack of discipline
etc. the decisions are always made by herself himself and such
supervisors demand subordinates only to follow their directions
as given.
 A benevolent supervisor who is very protective of her
subordinates, keeps telling them what they should do and what
they should not, thus providing constant direction. Such
supervisors are usually liked by workers but are effective as
long as they are physically present as they tend to develop the
subordinates as dependent followers.
 A democratic supervisor who believes in a style of "Let us agree
on what we are to do" in dealing with the subordinates. Such
supervisor provides guidance only when requested by the
subordinates. The subordinates with this type of supervisor tend
to develop confidence in their work. They are quite
independent and cooperate with one another and work
together.

31. Supervision – Significance
 Supervision is primarily concerned
with overseeing or watching the
performance of workers under his
control.
 He plays an important role in the
management set up.
 He is the person who is directly
connected with the workers and acts
as a vital link between the
management and workers.

32. IMPORTANCE
 Issue of Orders and Instructions
 Planning and Organizing the Work
 It is Important at All Levels
 Vital Link between Workers and Management
 Motivating Subordinates
 Feedback to Workers
 Proper Assignment of Work

35. ROLE OF SUPERVISORS
1. Help his/her workers to develop their innate
qualities to improve their performance
2. Help his/her subordinates to adjust to their job
requirements and to develop
3. Make the workers loyal towards their organisation
4. Provide expertise, skills, knowledge and experience
to make workers learn without fear and hesitation
5. Encourage free communication
6. Develop employee potential to an extent where
they need no supervision
7. Cooperate with other supervisors
8. Prove a good link between the management and
workers

36. 9. Solve personal problems of his/her subordinates to
the extent possible
10. Maintain discipline
11. Correct the mistakes of his/her subordinates
12. Explore new fields of knowledge
13. Introduce new, useful and scientific methods of
production and administration
14. Have a clear understanding about his/her plan of
action
15. Know his/her job, duties, responsibilities, authority,
accountability and so on
16. Divide responsibilities and duties to his/her
subordinates rationally and scientifically
17. Listen and look into the grievance of his/her
subordinates

38.  Administrative - Assigning duties or
preparing duty roster, providing materials
and supplies to facilitate the staff's
performance etc. are administrative
functions.
 Teaching - By sharing knowledge, providing
technical guidance a supervisor plays the
role of a teacher.
 Helping - The supervisor offers help by
solving problems faced by the staff and to
complete her work particularly in
emergency.

39.  Linking - The supervisor acts as a
communication link between the staff and
higher authorities and other members of
the team. For example a ward sister or
sister in charge is the linking person
between the nursing staff and Assistant
Nursing Superintendent, Deputy Nursing
Superintendent, doctors treating the
patients etc.
 Evaluation - Each supervisor is supposed
to carry out performance appraisal of all
the staff working under her in a unit and

40. Factors of effective supervision
 Technical and managerial knowledge
 Human relation skill
 Leadership skill
 Relief from non supervisory duties
 Improved upward relations
 Effective Communication
 Impartiality
 Clear instruction
 Proper working condition

41. Technical And Managerial Knowledge
 Competency and ability of supervisor
affects supervision in the organization.
 A supervisor must have knowledge about
his responsibilities and authorities. He
should be familiar with technical
knowledge such as machine, installation,
production process etc.
 For effective supervision, he should be
well known about rules and regulation,
plans and policies of the organization.
Otherwise he cannot properly supervise

42. Leadership skill
Supervisor is a operating manager. He is a leader of
his subordinates or employees in the organization.
So, he should posses necessary leadership skills to
motivate and inspire subordinates for better
performance. So, managerial and personal
leadership qualities are essential for effective
supervision.
 Relief from non-supervisory duties:
 To make the supervisory duties purposeful, the
supervisors are to be relieved of many routine
activities that divert their attention from the real
job. Submission of numerous reports and returns
by supervisors is, to say the least, unnecessary for
the job of supervision.

43. Human Relation Skills
 For effective supervision, human relation skill of
the supervisor plays very important role. A
successful supervisor always adopts employee-
oriented approach. He treats subordinates as a
friend rather than a boss. He focuses on the
problems of the employees and takes appropriate
steps to solve them. This helps to encourage
subordinates and lead to better productivity.
d. Improved upward relations:
 Top management must pay adequate attention and
thought on supervisory jobs to ensure a good
quality of supervision.
 Problems of supervision usually arise from
omissions, mistakes and negligence on the part of
superior mangers. Hence, for any improvement in