BPB 31403
INTRODUCTION TO
SUPERVISION
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
What is Supervision?
Who are Supervisors?
Sources of Supervisory Talent
The Functions of Supervision
Skills Required by the Supervisors
Key Reasons for Supervisory Success
The Changing Nature of the Supervisors Environment
What is
Supervision?
Supervision is the first level of
management in the organization and
concerned with encouraging the members
of work unit to contribute positively
towards accomplishing the organizations
goal and objectives.
The job of supervision is quite complex.
Supervisor must learn to make good decision,
communicate well with people, make proper
work assignment, delegate, plan, train people,
motivate people, appraise performance, and deal
with various specialists in other department.
An Example of Organizational Chart
Top
management
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Middle
management
MANAGER
(FINANCE)
MANAGER
(OPERATION)
VICE PRESIDENT
MAMAGER
(H. RESOURCE)
ASST. MANAGER
First level
management
SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR
MANAGER
(MARKETING)
Who are Supervisors?
The person who:
Manage operative employees i.e. those who physically produce
an organizations good and services.
Serves as the link between operative employees and all
managers.
The example of supervisory job titles:
Crew leader
Head nurse
Chief clerk
Training supervisor
Line leaders
Employment supervisor
Assistant cafeteria manager
Sources of Supervisory Talent
Majority are promoted from the ranks of operative
employees those with good technical skills and
good work records are the ones who are normally
selected by management for supervisory jobs.
Officers of labors union it is assumed that the voting
employees view them as having some leadership
abilities.
New college graduates placed in supervisory jobs
after a brief training period.
Progression of
Jobs into
Supervision
Best workers
Trained employee
New employees
Top management
Middle management
Supervisor
The Functions of Supervision
Planning
Organizing
Controlling
Staffing
Leading
The Functions of Supervision
Often categorized into five areas, called the functions of management
of the functions of supervision. These functions are:
Planning - determining the most effective means for achieving the
work that is to be done by the work group. It includes three steps:
Determining the present situation equipment, attitude of
employees, availability of materials.
Determining the objectives usually established by higher
levels of management.
Determining the most effective way of attaining the objectives
actions necessary to reach the objectives.
The Functions of Supervision (contd..)
Organizing distributing the work
among the employees in the work group
and arranging the work so that it flows
smoothly.
Staffing obtaining and developing
good people.
The Functions of Supervision (contd..)
Leading directing and channeling employee behavior
toward accomplishment of work objectives and providing a
workplace where people can be motivated to accomplish
their work objectives.
Controlling determines how well the work is being done
compared with what was planned. It involves measuring
actual performance against planned performance and taking
any necessary corrective action.
Amount of Time Spent on
The Functions of Supervisors
Level of management
Planning
Top
management
Middle
management
Supervision
Organizing
Staffing
Leading
Controlling
Skills Required by The Supervisor
Technical: knowledge about machines, processes, and
methods of production
Human relations: knowledge about human behavior and
the ability to work well with people
Administrative: knowledge about the organization and
how it works
Decision making and problem-solving: ability to
analyze information and objectively reach a decision
Mix of Skills Required at
Different Management Level
Level of management
Technical
Top
management
Middle
management
Supervision
Human relation
Administrative
Decision Making
Key Reasons for Supervisory Success
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ability and willingness to delegate
Proper use of authority
Setting good example
Recognizing the change in role
Desire for the job
The Changing Nature of the
Supervisors Environment
1.
Changing in information availability
increased use of computers and new
technology makes more information available
new technology requires more training and higher skill levels
for employees
more skilled employees require new
approaches to motivation and leadership
The Changing Nature of the Supervisors
Environment
2.
Changes in outlook towards the work environment - emphasis
on quality of work life:
safe and healthy working conditions
opportunity to use and develop individual capabilities
opportunity for personal and professional growth
work schedules, career demands, and travel
requirements that do not regularly take up family and leisure time
the right to personal privacy, free speech, equitable
treatment, and due process
3. Changes in demographics - Diversity of the workforce
encompasses many different dimensions, including gender, race,
religion, age, and types of disability.
