Motivation and Meaning: The Role of Supervision

Abstract

This article considers the role of social work supervision within the context of continuing managerialism, and its attendant focus on achieving targets and other aspects of performance management. It considers how the role of supervision is changing. The unarticulated assumptions which are made about social workers’ motivation are examined, particularly in the context of an increasing emphasis on external rather than self-regulation of employees. It is argued that the increasing reliance on external regulation can potentially undermine individual social workers’ intrinsic motivation. The role of supervision in supporting social workers is potentially an important element in guarding against this. Effective supervision through discussion and reflection is discussed, and the importance of effective relationships in supervision is emphasised. The article concludes with a discussion of the approaches to accommodate both management and practice priorities and highlights again, the role of supervision in helping develop such strategies.