Chapter 11: Supervising Middle Managers in Student Affairs

Supervision is an essential component of the operation of student affairs and development of student affairs professionals (Saunders et al., 2000; Winston & Creamer, 1997), and provides a good framework for professional skill and competency development (Carpenter Torres, & Winston, 2001). Supervision encompasses management, leading others, fostering personal growth, training, and development, and promoting organizational goals (Stock-Ward & Javorek, 2003). Winston and Creamer (1997) defined supervision as “a management function intended to promote the achievement of institutional goals and to enhance the personal and professional capabilities and performance of staff” (p. 186). Supervision is essential because of the nature the role employees play in actualizing the goals and purposes of the organization (Davis, 2013.).