1.4 Explain how to address factors that result in a power imbalance in supervision and how to address them

Qualification: Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF)
Unit: Unit 11: Supervision and Performance Management in Adult Care
Learning outcome: 1 Understand supervision in adult care
Assessment criteria: 1.4 Explain how to address factors that result in a power imbalance in supervision and how to address them

• Power imbalance is one party is considered to hold more power than the other
• Supervision is usually conducted by the supervisee’s line manager and so the supervisor often has more authority and responsibility within the organisation
• This can lead to the supervisory process becoming less honest and transparent (and therefore less effective) because the supervisee may be wary of disclosing information that they feel might impact their job role negatively (e.g. being blamed for errors, being passed over for promotion, not being granted the annual leave they requested etc.)
• If the supervisor lacks emotional intelligence, there is also a danger that they might use their power to intimidate supervisees or let their ego or biases influence the process
• Therefore, it is important for supervisors to address the power imbalance and explain to supervisees that:
  • to get the most out of their supervision they should be frank and honest
  • the supervisor is there to help them and support them to overcome if you don’t it
  • confidentiality will be agreed upon by both parties
  • the supervisory process is there to help individuals and the organisation as a whole to improve, which means honest feedback will be valued and respected