Explain the role of supervision

Explain the role of supervision as an element of directing function of management.
or
Give the meaning of supervision as an element of directing and any four points that explain its role.
or
Explain briefly the responsibilities of a supervisor towards workers.

Supervision can be defined as overseeing people at work and giving instructions to ensure optimum utilisation of resources. The importance of aupervisor/supervision can be understood by analysing the following functions of a supervisor:
The importance of supervision can be understood after analysing the functions of a supervisor in the following points:
(i) Maintains contact A supervisor maintains day-to-day contact and friendly relations with the workers. He guides and instructs them like a friend, philosopher and guide.
(ii) Acts as a link A supervisor acts as a link between workers and managers, as he conveys management ideas and instructions to the workers and workers’ grievances and suggestions to the managers.
Thus, it helps to reduce conflicts and
misunderstandings between the two groups.
(iii) Maintains group unity A supervisor sorts out differences among workers in order to maintain group unity and harmony within the organisation.
(iv) Ensures performance A supervisor is
responsible for the achievement of goals, for which he motivates his employees and ensures performance in the organisation.