SUPERVISION

meaning Supervision means to supervise or to oversee . It implies; To insure maximum utilisation of resources . To motivate employees to peak their performance . Intelligent utilisation of human talent . To ensure proper performance To ensure that work is being performed as required and according to the plans and policies of organisation.

Characteristics of supervision To help subordinates in solving their problems To take corrective measures if the work is not in line with the plan Characteristics of supervision Pervasive and Universal activity Continuous process Checking work while performance. Important part of the directing function Face to face contact b/w supervisor and his subordinates

Distinction b/w direction and supervision Concerned with initiating action . Delegated function – authority to supervise is delegated by top level management Distinction b/w direction and supervision direction supervision wider concept Narrow concept No Face to face contact Face to face contact imp. At all levels More imp. At operating level

Need of supervision Absence of supervision may leads to misunderstanding of duties and performance may not come upto the mark. Improper supervision may cause frustration among subordinates. Absence of incentives leads to lose worker’s interest in their work. Worker’s may lack a sense of direction due to lack of proper supervision.

Importance of supervision Supervision is the ignition key that starts the engine of the enterprise and keeps the managerial train into motion . Importance of supervision Proper utiliasat -ion feedback Communication Maintain discipline

POSITION OF A SUPERVISOR The person who performs the job of directing and guiding the performance of an organisation is known as supervisor. Also known as foreman , departmental head , overseer , headclerk , gang boss. Link b/w the management and the workers . Act as protector and promoter . Concerned with the operating levels of management .

Responsibilities of supervisor A supervisor serves as a necessary link b/w the management and the workers at operating level and as such , possesses a two fold responsibility for satisfying the enterprise as well as employees .

Towards his own associates Towards management To initiate action and get work done. Maximum utilisation of resources . To know the plans and desire of management . Towards his own associates Co-operation. Co-ordination. Team work . To consider criticism and suggestion . Towards workers To act as a philosopher, friend, and guide . To listen to their complaints and problems . Help in performance . To inspire to work as team . Boost confidence and zeal in them .

Functions of supervisor Motivating workers Enforcing discipline Issuing orders and instructions Handling grievances Insuring safety Maintaining records Personnel functions Recruitment Selection Training

Qualities of a good supervisor Knowledge of the organisation . Technical knowledge . Administrative ability . Communicative skills . Leadership qualities . Co-operative .

Physical qualities . Sound judgement . Social person . Flexibility . Good listener . Self confidence – no ego problem . Honesty . Integrity of character . Good guide .

Example of effective supervisor An experiment was conducted in X ltd. Company which shows the following results ; Two groups were taken into account with 4 group members and a supervisor in both the groups , First supervisor showed strict behavior towards his subordinates ,while other was so co-operative and friendly , Employees of first group were frustrated and their performance level was disappointing , while others were satisfied and dedicated towards their work and their performance was upto the mark . Result : A co-operative and friendly supervisor handles the management more efficiently and effectively . It leads to smooth functioning of organisation . On the other hand an ineffective supervisor may land the organisation in a hot soup .

types of supervision Autocratic supervision in this type supervisor expects complete obedience from his subordinates . Free reign supervision In this type maximum freedom is given to the workers . Democratic supervision in this type supervisor acts according to mutual consent of workers .

Principles of effective supervision . Competent supervisor Proper working condition Organisational setup Human approach Management by exception Effective communication Spam of supervision

How to supervise effectively . participation of employees. Know and enforce policies and rules. Watch waste – material and time loss. Measure performance. Secure employees. Inform top management that why and what action is taking place. Be aware of the resources available to accomplish the prescribed work.