Read this article to learn about the role and importance of supervision!
Role of Supervision:
The following are the main functions performed by a supervisor:
1. Provides a Link between Workers and Management:
A supervisor is an individual engaged in supervision. He supervises the work of subordinates. He is the link between workers and management. He ensures that plans and procedures are implemented as per schedule.
2. Direct Contact with the Workers:
Supervisor maintains a direct contact with the workers; he acts as a friend, philosopher and guide to the workers.
3. Avoidance of Conflicts and Misunderstanding:
He conveys all the instructions, plans and ideas of the management to the workers and workers’ suggestions, complaints etc. to the management. Thus, his presence in an organisation helps in avoiding conflicts and misunderstanding between the workers and the management.
4. Unity among Workers:
He plays an important role in integrating the activities of different workers under him by solving their problems among themselves only as for as possible.
5. Motivating Workers:
He has the responsibility for completion of a job; hence he motivates his workers to perform effectively for completing same.
6. Training of Workers:
A skilled and experienced supervisor makes arrangement for providing on the job training to his workers and also builds up an efficient team of workers.
7. Leadership Qualities:
Supervision with good leadership qualities plays an important role in influencing the workers and boosting their morale.
8. Analysis of Work Performed:
A good supervisor always analyses the work of his subordinates and gives them suggestions for further improvement in their work skills and performance.
Importance of Supervision:
Supervision is important because:
1. Mediator:
Supervisor acts as an important link between workers and management. Supervisor not only explains the objective/ideas of the management to the workers but also explains the problems/grievances of the workers to the management.
2. Controlling Performance:
Supervision ensures performance of work as per the targets. Supervisor assumes responsibility for the accomplishment of task undertaken and motivates his fellow workers.
3. Optimum Utilization of Resources:
It develops work skills which help in optimum utilization of resources.
4. Discipline:
It results in maintenance of discipline.
5. Group Unity:
It maintains unity among workers. Supervisor plays an importance role in sorting out internal differences and maintaining harmony among workers.
6. Feedback:
It facilitates feedback in the form of suggestions, grievances and complaints.
7. Improves Communication:
It improves communication and hence quality of relations “with workers” as well as “among workers”.