The supervision relationship: working through differences in priorities between academic and management practice

Collins, C. and McKenzie, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2444-6264 (2022) The supervision relationship: working through differences in priorities between academic and management practice. In: Kalika, M. and Platt, S. (eds.) The Doctor of Business Administration: Taking your professional practice to the next level. IEDP Ideas for Leaders Publishing, Edinburgh, pp. 137-151. ISBN 9781915529015

Abstract/Summary

A constructive and developmental relationship between the doctoral supervisor and supervisee is key to success on both PhD and DBA. However, in our experience, the demands of supervision are different when the relationship involves mature and experienced learners with different priorities and reasons for engaging in research compared to PhD students; contributing to practice and theory, studying and holding down a full time job, working at a distance from the University campus community and remaining rooted in a familiar practice domain that continues to re-enforce existing habits of mind are tensions that alter the dynamics of the supervision relationship. This chapter seeks to help both supervisees and supervisors understand what those tensions mean for an effective relationship. As someone being supervised, when they arise, it may be helpful to realise that your supervisor is working hard to adapt well-established and successful routines and practices in order to sustain progress and help you achieve a robust doctorate that still meets the same standards as PhD. The ongoing communication has to accommodate the different priorities for both parties in the supervision partnership.