Supervising with intercultural competence: A phenomenological study of mid-level higher education and student affairs professionals

<p>Many mid-level higher education and student affairs professionals are responsible for the supervision of entry-level professionals. As the population of entry-level professionals continues to diversify, it is necessary for mid-level student affairs supervisors to engage effectively across differences of culture and identity in their supervisory relationships. This qualitative study explored the phenomenon of supervising with intercultural competence. Mid-level student affairs supervisors who had intercultural mindsets and supervised across salient identity or cultural differences were interviewed in a semi-structured format, and the data was analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. The findings introduce a model for supervising with intercultural competence. Supervising with intercultural competence is a complex and layered phenomenon that consists of core mindsets, an open and learning disposition, recognition of cultural differences within supervisory functions (i.e., expectations, communication, and accountability), and coaching in the navigation of the broader organizational culture. The findings from this study add new dimensions to both student affairs supervision and intercultural competence scholarship and can assist the supervisory practice of mid-level student affairs professionals.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Leadership and Counseling

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Boesch, Alexander T.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Carmen M. McCallum, PhD
• Davis Clement, PhD
• Amy B. Wilson, PhD

• intercultural competence
• mid-level
• phenomenological
• student affairs
• supervise
• supervision

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1280

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2615