Abstract:
Supervision of research students is commonly regarded as advisory. The shift of emphasis to the
teaching and managerial roles is a new phenomenon. This study has applied the situational leadership
model to the activity of supervising students. It proposes that supervisors need to be flexible in their
leadership styles. styles should be based on a thorough diagnosis of the student's development level;
and they should be contracting with the students in determining their development levels The
management skills involved in effective supervision can be learned through training.
