Difference Between Supervision And Monitoring

sg.menon@indiatimes.com
Hi!

Could any of you share with me the difference between Supervision and Monitoring? I have been surfing the internet for related information but not getting much, so I thought I would tap this resource.

Thanks
White Eagle
According to me, the difference between supervision and monitoring is as follows:

1. Supervision is done by a supervisor, and monitoring is done by a monitor.
2. Supervision is for a long duration, while monitoring is for a shorter period.
3. Supervision is a broader term that includes monitoring, but monitoring does not include supervision.
4. In supervision, there is more personal involvement and care compared to monitoring. Supervision is mostly used for people, while monitoring is mostly used for systems and projects. For example, we monitor systems and do not supervise them.
5. The responsibility of a supervisor is much broader than that of a monitor. A supervisor is held accountable for an employee's mistakes, which is not the case for a monitor.
nashbramhall
I wonder what you did wrong when surfing the web!! I found an excellent PowerPoint presentation at nihfw.org by searching the web using keywords from your query. Please see Google to see what I did.

Have a nice day. Simhan Leaning and Teaching Fellow (Retd) The University of Bolton, UK Chief Advisor, Promentor-Consulting
humresources
Hello,

Fundamentally, both words mean exactly the same thing, though monitoring might denote more responsibility. The former word comes from the Latin 'monere' meaning to warn or advise, the latter from 'super-videre' meaning to watch over. Webster's Dictionary defines supervision as "the action, process, or occupation of supervising, a critical watching and directing (as of activities or a course of action)"; for monitoring, the definition is "to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose." Monitoring can be seen to be more specific in being aware of one particular matter, therefore.

Often in American schools, there exist milk monitors or hall monitors, who themselves may be placed under adult supervision, denoting how physically the adult is taller than the child. At some British schools, monitors act as ambassadors of the school, setting an example for younger cohorts, while again they are themselves under supervision.

In department stores, speaking to the supervisor will denote an employee who is stuck on a customer inquiry directing him or her to a more senior employee who has extra responsibilities while not directly monitoring the routine of the junior worker. In essence, though, both words mean the same and are to be treated accordingly.
sg.menon@indiatimes.com
Thank you so much, all. Nashbramhall, I found the PowerPoint presentation when I surfed - that was the only useful thing I found! I wanted more information on what you all have stated - White Eagle and Humresources are useful. I am in the middle of helping my managers identify from their Supervision and Monitoring plan, which tasks are supervisory and which tasks come under monitoring - this is where the query originated. So, anything more that you can add that you think I can use will be most welcome!
sg.menon@indiatimes.com
Simhan, I apologize for addressing you as 'nashbramhall' - I didn't realize my error until later!
nashbramhall
It always helps to save time if bloggers give full information about what they found when surfing the web and also give details of the scenario and why they are seeking help. For example, had the blogger said that he or she had found the PowerPoint presentation and given the link, it would have saved unnecessary correspondence.
D.GURUMURTHY
Dear Sir,

Supervision involves overseeing individuals in any job or casual setting, providing overall guidance and direction.

Monitoring entails validating their work, offering advice, and correcting any errors that may arise.

D. Gurumurthy
LL. HR & IR Consultant
parwejkhan
Dear All,

Typically, supervision refers to the activity carried out by supervisors to oversee the productivity and progress of employees who report directly to them. Supervision is a management activity, and supervisors have a management role in the organization. They convey information and directives from upper management to employees and are responsible for getting work done. It is an art or process by which designated individuals or a group oversee the work of others and establish control to improve both the work and the workers.

Supervisory Roles

Role Model
*Teacher
*Mentor
*Motivator
*Coach

Responsibilities

- Communicate and clarify major job duties, priorities, and expectations.
- Establish and communicate performance standards.
- Monitor employees' performance through observation, discussion, etc.
- Document good and unacceptable performance.
- Provide continuous coaching and constructive feedback in a timely manner.
- Hold performance discussions (at least annually).
- Correct poor performance and reinforce good performance.
- Help employees develop skills and abilities for improved performance.
- Provide necessary information, resources, and opportunities to help accomplish key objectives.

Monitoring

Monitoring involves routine or continuous measurement of progress while the project is ongoing:
- Checking and measuring progress.
- Analyzing the situation.
- Reacting to new events, opportunities, and issues.

Parwej Khan
Executive HR
SNGL
Suri.Babu
Dear Menon,

I fully agree with the comments of "hum resources". Strictly speaking, Supervision is a word with an authoritative component to get things done in the proper way. It is nothing but inspection and control. It aims at doing things in the right direction. Monitoring is nothing but a "person or device which checks, controls, warns, keeps a record of something, etc.

Literally, both words convey the same meaning, but depending on the nature of work and the process, supervision and monitoring will take their own course of action.
trurecruit
Friends,

As I understand the two terms:

1. Monitor means a person or an instrument to keep watch over proceedings and possibly alert people responsible to the fact that work is perhaps not happening as it should. So its role is passive.

2. Whereas, a supervisor implies a person who is responsible to ensure that work is done as per program and, if it does not happen, take corrective measures to ensure success. It is an active role.

Examples: A student may be made a class monitor, or an electronic device may keep track of a patient's progress. Both can raise an alarm but may not be able to intervene and correct. A supervisor, on the other hand, would be responsible for both monitoring the progress as well as correcting/making adjustments to achieve the desired aim.

Good luck.

Colonel Gahlot, Proprietor
'TRURECRUIT'
0810081197
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