Doctoral Supervision with Colleagues

Abstract

The doctoral supervision of an academic colleague when both are employed in the same university has attracted limited research. In contrast, there is a plethora of research on a range of aspects related to doctoral supervision including processes associated with doctoral supervision, guidance for the doctoral supervisor, and the relationship between the doctoral supervisor and candidate. The completion of a doctorate is a substantial investment by both the candidate and the university and is brought into even sharper focus if the candidate is also an employee at the same university. Though each of the parties is driven by different agendas, they share a common interest in the successful completion of the doctorate. This may place additional pressure on the candidate and supervisor, particularly in relation to their professional credibility and career trajectory.

This chapter draws from previous research conducted by the authors’ into this complex relationship and presents a number of recommendations to inform best practice. These recommendations have been drawn from the research participants, literature, and the authors’ experiences as doctoral candidates and doctoral supervisors for colleagues. The first section discusses important issues related to the area of colleague doctoral supervision. The following section identifies a series of recommendations concerning colleague doctoral supervision for the various stakeholders. The final section offers a blueprint for those tasked with formalizing this potential complex relationship.