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The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision
Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | en_ZA |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613899529912320 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine |
| author2 | Engelbrecht, Lambert |
| author_browse | Engelbrecht, Lambert Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine |
| author_facet | Engelbrecht, Lambert Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine |
| author_sort | Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134708 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | en_ZA |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:43:28.625Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134708 The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine Engelbrecht, Lambert Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work. Social service -- Supervision of Social service -- Personnel management Power (Social sciences) -- Social aspects Interpersonal relations Conflict management UCTD Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Modise, T. C. 2025. The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/5fdce7b4-e385-48f9-b587-c887795432be ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision is a critical yet underexplored area within the profession. This study examines how supervisors and supervisees navigate and mitigate these dynamics to foster ethical, supportive, and effective supervisory relationships. Guided by a qualitative research approach, data was collected through semi-structured virtual interviews with social work supervisors and supervisees. The study pursued five key objectives: (1) conceptualising harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision, (2) delineating relevant theories of interpersonal power, (3) examining strategies employed by supervisors and supervisees to manage power imbalances, (4) empirically investigating these dynamics, and (5) providing recommendations to policymakers, governing bodies, social work organisations, managers, supervisors, and supervisees. Findings revealed that power dynamics in supervision are influenced by organisational culture, professional hierarchies, and relational factors such as age, experience, and resistance strategies. The study reaffirmed existing theoretical perspectives on power while offering novel insights into how supervision can either reinforce or mitigate harmful dynamics. Participants' narratives highlighted the complexities of maintaining ethical and emotionally intelligent supervision within structurally constrained environments. The study underscores the urgent need for systemic and structural reforms to ensure more equitable and transparent supervisory relationships. By fostering a culture of accountability, reflexivity, and participatory leadership, social work institutions can enhance supervision practices, ultimately improving practitioner well-being and service delivery. While no singular model can fully resolve power imbalances, continuous engagement with ethical, professional, and structural considerations remains essential to advancing social work supervision. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar nie. Doctoral 2025-12-24T09:34:17Z 2025-12-24T09:34:17Z 2025-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134708 en_ZA Stellenbosch University 265 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Social service -- Supervision of Social service -- Personnel management Power (Social sciences) -- Social aspects Interpersonal relations Conflict management UCTD Modise, Tsholofelo Cathrine The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title | The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title_full | The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title_fullStr | The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title_full_unstemmed | The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title_short | The management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| title_sort | management of harmful interpersonal power dynamics in social work supervision |
| topic | Social service -- Supervision of Social service -- Personnel management Power (Social sciences) -- Social aspects Interpersonal relations Conflict management UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134708 |
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