The dynamic relationship between an individual’s goal progression, the provision and adjustment of supervisor support, and resulting outcomes has implications for tertiary and industry intervention design. The current research investigates the process of goal attainment throughout postgraduate supervised practice, focussing on the relationship between this process and the outcomes of self-efficacy, prosocial behaviour, and identification with profession. Why do trainees invest effort into their placements? Is their effort and progress driven by overarching career goals or specific placement goals? Does supervisor support impact on goal effort and progress? Does goal alignment between trainees and supervisors impact on instrumentality of goals? Do intrinsic vs extrinsic goals drive behaviours including organisational citizenship? Why do some trainees gain confidence and competence at a faster rate than others? How do supervisors influence this development? How can organisations seek to train, develop and retain talent with the best ‘fit’?

This research seeks to understand these questions in order to develop practical applications for universities and industry in terms of developing self-efficacy and prosocial behaviours and informing strategies to reduce turnover and increase attrition and performance.

During this session, attendees will be invited to reflect upon their own experiences as supervisees, and where applicable, as supervisors. Theoretical frameworks overviewing goal categorisation, goal progress, supervisory processes and associated outcomes will be presented in the session. Evaluation of attendees’ reflections, in conjunction with theoretical information, will enable attendees to question and understand some pathways towards goal progress and outcome achievement, and the potential influence of both the supervisee and supervisor in the process. These learnings can be applied both to attendees’ personal practice as a supervisor/supervisor and to the of planning organisational interventions.

At the conclusion of this event, attendees will be able to reflect on personal supervision experiences, recall theory and knowledge of goal categorisation and progress, understand the relationships between goal progress and supervisor support, and evaluate these learnings for personal and professional application.

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