A snapshot of cyber supervision in Mainland China

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative study that explores the use of technology in distance supervision by social work supervisors in Mainland China. From the interviews with 24 participants, four themes emerged concerning the participants’ supervision needs, supervision context, supervision ethics, and supervision skills. Overall, the participants’ experiences and views are given in detail: (1) the development of cyber supervision in Mainland China; (2) the contribution this new supervision method makes to ever-increasing supervisory demands; (3) the supervisory knowledge and skills required for successful cyber supervision, and (4) the government’s influence on the development and promotion of cyber supervision. The themes and views of the participants contribute to the development of the “4S” model for cyber supervision in Mainland China.