Problems of supervision | solutions for effective supervision

Supervision is a quasi-managerial function. Important function of supervisor is moving group towards performance, attaining of predefined tasks and goals. In the process of supervision, the managers or supervisors face certain problems which are described below.

Problems of supervision:

Problems of supervision

Following are the main problems of supervision:

Position of the supervisor in supervision:

The supervisor occupies a twilight position between managers and the workers. The managers. above him expect the supervisor to act as their spokesman and has to transmit and interpret the information and instructions from the management to laborers and vice versa. This is one of the big problems of supervision.

Not enough authority in supervision:

A supervisor is expected to convert managerial ideas and goals into concrete operational results. But the problem is that he is not given enough authority to make operational decisions and also not accepted as a part of the management. His position is such that he is often in a dilemma as to whom to please. If he pleases managers, he is subjected to earn the displeasure of the workers and vice versa. Thus to be successful in his activity, supervisor should keep an equal distance between the two parties and balance their conflicting attitudes and goals.

Labor union pressures in Supervision:

The supervisor has direct contact with the workers. He is often in a position to face the problem of, labor union pressures and interference in the ‘normal functioning of his unit. He has only little control over their problem which makes his lob more difficult.

Supervision is prone to criticism:

One of the notable problems of supervision is that it is prone to criticism. Frequently, the supervisor gets advice, suggestions, instructions and observations from several specialist staff units. At every stage of his functioning, he has to reflect on the likely implications of his activities on the thinking of such specialized staff units. Here, it is a problem for him to distinguish whether such specialists are suggesting, for helping or interfering and whether they are making their own observations or criticizing his working

Inadequate time in supervision:

One of the problems of supervision is that much of the supervisors time is wasted on keeping records, filling in forms, submitting returns and memoranda for the benefit of top level management, etc. This leaves the supervisors in inadequacy of time to do the, real supervisory work.

Educational level of the supervisor:

In most of the cases, the educational level of the supervisor is modest. He lack the required intellectual sharpness to understand the dynamics of management and supervision. He also lacks enough authority and status. This renders him relatively unequal to the tasks attached to his position,

Another important problems of supervision is that it may not always be easy for the supervisor to make his group members understand the expectations and requirements of the organisation. This is because, his,work group mostly’ include illiterate rank and file workers.

Solutions / Requirements of effective Supervision :

For a supervision to be effective, the following requirements may be a solution:

1. For an effective supervision, a supervisor should be given complete control over his work unit. He should be given adequate authority, responsibility and status.

2. A supervisor should be supplied with full information and knowledge on all matters affecting the working of his work unit.

3. Supervisor should be provided with an adequate number of assistance to share his work load who also should work directly under his control.

4. For a supervision to me more effective, a supervisor should have promotional opportunities to the higher managerial posts. This will encourage him and boost up his confidence level.

If all the above provisions are available in an organization, the problems of supervision can be eliminated.