The prevalence, nature and views of cross-disciplinary supervision amongst social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis studied cross-disciplinary supervision practice amongst social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, the research explored the prevalence and nature of and views about cross-disciplinary supervision amongst a group of Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Work (ANZASW) members. The thesis was a cross-sectional research which consisted of a web-based internet survey questionnaire that was distributed to a convenience sample of ANZASW social workers. Pragmatism informed the methodological approach to the collection of the data which was required for this research. The key findings from the study were: a) cross-disciplinary supervision is occurring amongst ANZASW social workers on a regular and planned basis, although the extent of this is unknown; b) there was no clear understanding of what constitutes cross-disciplinary supervision although it appeared to be similar in nature to supervision within their own discipline; and c) this group of ANZASW social workers generally viewed cross-disciplinary supervision positively although the potential for issues was acknowledged and there was general agreement about the need for guidelines. The implications and recommendations which arose from the research results concerned: a) understanding the cross-disciplinary supervision that occurs amongst Aotearoa New Zealand social workers; and b) promoting competence and accountability in cross-disciplinary supervision practice amongst ANZASW social workers. The recommendations related to the need for further research regarding the prevalence and nature of cross-disciplinary supervision, guidelines and policy in relation to the practice of cross-disciplinary supervision, and the need to educate social workers and develop knowledge about those factors that impact on cross-disciplinary supervision practice.