Research on the relationship between supervisor and social work interns in China: A Shanghai case study

This study examines the supervisor–intern relationship within social work practices in Shanghai. Recorded conversations between interns and field supervisors were analyzed using qualitative research methods to determine the key characteristics of the supervisory relationship and the factors that shape them. In a supervisory relationship, both parties co-establish a ‘win-win’, ‘casual’, and ‘tactful’ connection that not only has profound cultural effects, but is also affected by the current professional development of social work in China. Since social work supervision is a newly emerging practice in China, the findings of this analysis are pioneering and are discussed in relation to the future development of supervision in China.