The administrative and educational functions in supervision: Indications of incompatibility

The purpose of the study was to examine the compatibility of the administrative and the educational supervisory functions. Social work supervisors who perform both the administrative and educational function were compared to those whose function is almost entirely educational, as regards role conflict and ambiguity. Higher role conflict experienced by the first group led to the conclusion that the administrative and the educational functions are basically incompatible. For better performance of these important functions, the authors recommend their separation.