The Managerial Supervision Competency of the Supervisor in Supervising the Principal of Public Vocational High School in Jambi City

Abstract

Principals of vocational schools require effective supervision to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. However, the insufficient managerial supervision competencies of supervisors have hindered efforts to support the principals of public vocational high schools (SMKN) in Jambi City. This study aims to evaluate the managerial supervision competencies of supervisors in guiding these principals. A descriptive method with a qualitative approach was employed, using data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The study's subjects included SMKN supervisors, principals, and teachers, selected through snowball sampling. Triangulation techniques were applied to ensure data accuracy. The findings revealed that the managerial supervision competencies of supervisors in guiding SMKN principals were suboptimal throughout the process. Evidence includes: 1) work program preparation based on guidelines and previous monitoring results, 2) managerial supervision practices aimed at enhancing school administration productivity, and 3) periodic program evaluations conducted according to a schedule and documented in written reports. The supervisors’ work system was supported by their commitment and experience. However, several inhibiting factors were identified, including supervisors' educational qualifications that did not align with the specific needs of vocational schools, insufficient managerial training, and the overwhelming number of schools under their supervision. To address these challenges, the study suggests enhancing supervisors' work experience through targeted training and improving the supervisor recruitment system to better match the needs of vocational schools.