The Power Dynamics of Supervision: Ethical Dilemmas

Abstract

Supervision is an activity filled with ethical dilemmas related to the power held by the supervisor, a power that should be exercised with care. This article explores some of these dilemmas through the analysis of supervision vignettes viewed from the perspective of social constructionism, in particular, from the insights of French philosopher Michel Foucault. It concludes with suggestions to exercise supervisory power ethically.

Keywords:

• supervision
• social constructionism
• supervisory power
• supervisory ethical dilemmas
• Foucault

Acknowledgments

The authors are listed in alphabetical order and have contributed equally to the ideas presented in the article and in its writing.