Supervisor-employee perception differences in a survey of Dutch veterinary small- and medium-sized practices

To describe how veterinary employees and supervisors perceive supervisor support levels and appropriateness in small- and medium-sized practices and to determine perception differences.

This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in May of 2023. Convenience sampling provided preliminary insights (with bias/generalizability limits) from participants recruited in the Netherlands via social media, veterinary journals, and university/organization emails. The People Management Scale (PMS) measured supervisor support levels across 4 dimensions: general human resources practices, tailor-made arrangements, support for commitment, and support for career development. The Too Little/Too Much rating scale assessed the appropriateness of the individual items of the PMS.

The sample included 94 veterinary employees and 54 supervisors from small- and medium-sized practices in the Netherlands. Employees rated supervisor support levels and appropriateness significantly lower than supervisors across all PMS dimensions and Too Little/Too Much items, revealing substantial perception gaps.

Supervisors overestimate how their support is perceived by employees. This gap highlights a critical challenge for human resource management in veterinary practice.

Perception differences may limit supervisory support effectiveness and contribute to veterinary attrition. Addressing this gap through improved communication, multisource feedback, and alignment of expectations could enhance supervisory support and improve employee retention in veterinary practices.