Meaning of Supervision
Supervision is the process by which the performance of subordinates is observed by the superior to ensure the work goes according to the plan. It is the act of looking at or overseeing or observation of the performance of employees by the superior individual or team. It is timely, direct and immediate guidance to the subordinates. It is a control mechanism over subordinates to ensure that they are working as per planned schedule and resources. Thus, it is a key managerial function that directly observes, guides and corrects the action of the subordinates to direct their action in the planned path of course of action.
Key Definitions
| Defined By | Definition |
| R.C. Davis | “Supervision is the function of ensuring that the work is being done following plan and instruction” |
| Dale Beach | “Supervision is the function of leading, coordinating and directing the works of others to accomplish designated objectives” |
From the above discussion and definitions, supervision is the task of directly observing the actions of the subordinates by the superior. It includes observation, evaluation, correction, inspection, cooperation and reporting. It is practiced by the superior to ensure the acts and actions of subordinates are according to plan in terms of time, money and other resources. Based on this, the act of supervision constitutes different functions. These functions are outlined below:
- Leadership and guidance to subordinates
- Motivation at and during work
- Arrangement of resources in the right order, quantity and place atthe right time
- Planning and organizing work schedules
- Grievance handling during work
- Reporting
Need/Importance of Supervision
Supervision is an important task performed by the superior. It directly observes and guides the actions of the subordinates towards the completion of work in a planned way. Apart from this, the importance of supervision has been mentioned below:
- Assessment of Duties: Supervision assesses the duties of the subordinates. Such assessment is done through direct observation of the work being done by them. Beforethe assessment, the tasks or duties are assigned to subordinates based on their knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Regular Feedback: Supervision provides regular feedback to subordinates. Such feedback is regarding their action as per plan and the deviation in the way they are doing the work. Such feedback is provided directly at the workplace or during review or routine meetings.
- Effective Motivation: Supervision is about giving feedback and building the morale or confidence of subordinates. Thus, with such built-in morale and confidence, the subordinates feel motivated for and during the work.
- Bridges Management and Workers: The act of supervision performed by the supervisor is the bridge between management and workers. It facilitates and conveys any issues or problems confronted by works at the workplace. Similarly, it is the way of communicating management’s expectations with workers.
- Ensures Quality in Products: Supervision regularly means effective utilization of material, manpower, machine and technology. When all these are used coordinately, the quality of the products is ensured and enhanced.
- Economy and Efficiency: Supervision ensures the economy in terms of the cost of resources used. Similarly, it also helps in achieving efficiency in terms of input-output ratio and the use of machines or technology.
- Employee Reward and Punishment: Supervision continuously observes the action at work of employees. It is directly observing the performance of the subordinates to ensure they work according to the plan. Thus, it is a base for employee reward for those working as per standard or plan and punishment for those who are not working as planned.
Methods of Supervision
Supervision is the act of observing the action or performance of subordinates by superiors. Based on its use, practice and significance, there are different types of supervision. These are discussed below:
- Direct Supervision: It is a method of supervision in which the supervisor supervises the work by being physically present at the work arena. It is face-to-face observation, communication, evaluation and direction daily. It is mostly used where the subordinates are having less knowledge and competence.
- Indirect Supervision: It is a method of supervision in which no direct presence of the supervisor is required. Under this, supervision takes place through different means such as telephone, video calls, videosupervision system, interim or assistant supervisor appointed by the main supervisor etc.
- General Supervision: It is supervision that takes place on a scheduled day or dr date by the supervisor. Sometimes such supervision can be conducted through telephone or digital or electronic means.
Essential Qualities of Good Supervision
Supervision determines the economy and effectiveness of the work being performed. Thus, it should possess certain qualities. Such qualities are regarding work, workplace, supervisor and subordinates. Some major essential qualities of supervision have been outlined below:
- Proper knowledge of rules and regulations of the company and outside
- Technical knowledge, managerial ability and communication skills of the supervisor
- Leadership qualities and motivational skills of the supervisor
- Ability to delegate authority by the supervisor and ability to handle responsibilities by the subordinates
- Ability to use resources effectively
- Informing and making supervisors listen to the subordinates
- Emotional stability at work
- Other qualities such as honesty, respect, mental alertness, the ability to convince etc.
Concept of Monitoring
Monitoring is a way of observing the progress of a project or program towards the aimed goal. It is a regular observation and recording of all the activities that are performed in a project or program. Monitoring is conducted after a project has been initiated and implemented. It is done continuously until the project or program is completed. It is concerned with observing, analyzing and evaluating activities concerned with all the components of the project or program. It is the observation of work, work performance, working procedure and working environment to provide necessary inputs when and where necessary. In short, a process of regularly gathering information and processing it for needed corrective actions is called monitoring. It is a purposeful, systematic and regular observation of the process and progress of a project or program.
Monitoring is a process of collecting information regarding the performance of the project or program and reporting it to the donor or project implementor. It is a tracking system that enables the findingof the issues and problems during the working of the project or program. It also provides feedback on the conducting path and its deviation from the actual plan or goal. Hence, monitoring plays a crucial role regarding decision-making for necessary amendments, phasing out, continuation, enlargement, fund management etc. of the project or program.
Importance of Purpose of Monitoring
- Analysis of work situation in the community or the project itself
- Identification of problems faced in the community or project and finding potential solution situations
- Use and application of experience or knowledge obtained from one project in another project
- Determination of the level of effective utilization of project inputs
- Ensure timely conduction of the activities by the right person
- Determination of project compatibility in solving a problem in the best possible way
Difference Between Supervision and Monitoring
| Basis of Difference | Supervision | Monitoring |
| Meaning | Supervision is observation with the information of the supervision | Monitoring is observing without any prior information |
| Leader | It is done by a supervisor | It is done by the monitor |
| Scope | Supervision is wide as it includes monitoring | Monitoring does not include supervision |
| Usefulness | It is used for people and their activities at work | Mostly used for project, program and system |
| Period | It is for a long time and continuous process | It is for a short period |
| Responsibility | The supervisor would be responsible for the mistakes of the employees | The monitor would not be responsible for the mistakes of employees |
