Synergistic Supervision: A Confirmed Key to Retaining Entry-level Student Affairs Professionals

A Qualitative Examination of Cross-Cultural Supervision: Toward a Revised Model

“…Literature from counseling and higher education has indicated that the power imbalance inherent in supervisory dyads represents a potential source of conflict, leading both parties to feel at risk, particularly when cultural differences are present [1], [6], [12], [13], [17], [26], [29], [37]. Various authors have remarked upon the value of collaboration between supervisors and supervisees, noting that it requires mutual respect and understanding [1], [21], [36], [37], [39], [40], [44]. Before supervisors can respect supervisees' cultures, they must have a firm grasp of their own cultural identity, including biases [5], [17], [25], [26], [29].…”

“…Support is a critical aspect of supervision, helping employees to perform their jobs and grow. It includes accessibility, guided reflection on differences and challenges, performance evaluations and ongoing feedback, and guidance on personal circumstances to the extent that they impact work [1], [8], [14], [21], [27], [35], [36], [39], [40], [44], [46]. Support is particularly valuable in cross-cultural relationships, including early attention to establishing feedback mechanisms, resolving cultural conflicts, and discussing misunderstandings [13].…”

“…Acclimation is not a given, however, as evidenced by a high attrition rate within the first five years of employment as full-time professionals in the field [4], [8], [34], [42]. Often, the reality of full-time positions does not match graduate student experiences [8], [22], [39]. Marsh [27] noted that new professionals often need assistance with evaluating short-term job and education decisions, long-term career goals, and establishing work-life balance.…”

“…Although definitions for supervision abound, most settle on a process of overseeing someone to accomplish a task. For the purpose of this manuscript the following definition from Shupp [38] was used: "Supervision is an ongoing process providing guidance and direction while overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group with the intended outcome of both employee and institutional accomplishment". We espouse that supervision is intentional, not sporadic.…”

“…In such circumstances, shared group identity might lead one party to make inaccurate assumptions that fail to account for the other party's unique experiences and self-identity. Many supervisors are ill-prepared for these challenges [14], [39], [44].…”