The supervisory skills of rehabilitation managers

This study was undertaken to investigate the continuing education needs of rehabilitation managers in the area of supervision and management. The human relations supervisory ability of 61 managers was measured using a standardized inventory, yielding scores in five areas of human relations related to supervision. Results indicated that the managers possessed a higher degree of human relations supervisory ability than either industrial managers or another group of allied health supervisors. Respondents were strong in problem-solving, motivating employees, and fostering positive attitudes, and weak in their understanding of learning and training principles. No relationship was shown between previous management education and supervisory ability. Experience and consultation with others were cited more frequently than formal learning, as resources for acquiring supervisory skills. Supervisory ability was positively related to number of employees supervised, and to length of time in a management position.