Subordinate vs. Supervisor — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Subordinate refers to an employee ranked below another in a hierarchy, often receiving direction and oversight, while a supervisor is typically higher in rank, responsible for overseeing and directing subordinates.
Difference Between Subordinate and Supervisor
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Subordinates are individuals within an organization who have a lower rank or position and are typically tasked with operational duties. They often report to a supervisor or manager and are expected to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks. In contrast, supervisors hold a higher position and are responsible for managing a team of subordinates. They provide guidance, assign tasks, and evaluate performance.
While subordinates focus on executing specific tasks or projects, supervisors are involved in planning, delegation, and strategic oversight. Supervisors have the authority to make decisions that affect their team and are responsible for the outcome of those decisions. This managerial role necessitates a broader view of organizational goals compared to the more focused responsibilities of subordinates.
Subordinates often have direct interaction with the operational aspects of a job, which allows them to develop specialized skills in particular areas. Supervisors, on the other hand, must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage their teams and motivate their subordinates.
In terms of career progression, being a subordinate is generally a stepping stone to becoming a supervisor. This transition requires a shift from being primarily task-oriented to mastering people management and strategic planning skills. Supervisors must also handle administrative responsibilities, such as reporting and compliance tasks, which are less commonly a part of a subordinate's duties.
The relationship between a subordinate and a supervisor is defined by the power dynamics and the flow of instructions from the supervisor to the subordinate. Supervisors are expected to mentor and develop their subordinates, helping them improve their skills and advance their careers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Role in hierarchy
Lower rank, reports to supervisors
Higher rank, manages subordinates
Responsibilities
Task execution, following instructions
Leadership, task delegation, evaluation
Skill focus
Operational and technical skills
Leadership, strategic planning, management
Career path
Usually the initial or mid-level position
Advanced position with managerial duties
Relationship
Receives direction and supervision
Provides direction and supervision
Compare with Definitions
Subordinate
Dependent or auxiliary.
The consultant acted in a subordinate capacity during the audit.
Supervisor
An overseer of a process or activity.
The site supervisor ensured the construction adhered to safety standards.
Subordinate
Lesser in importance or position.
The company's social media team plays a subordinate role in the marketing department.
Supervisor
A person who oversees and directs the work of others.
The supervisor conducted a weekly review with the team.
Subordinate
A lower-ranking employee.
The subordinate completed the project under the guidance of her supervisor.
Supervisor
To act as an overseer or manager.
He supervises the evening shifts at the factory.
Subordinate
To place in a lower rank or position.
She was subordinated after the restructuring process.
Supervisor
Someone with managerial authority in an organization.
As a supervisor, he is responsible for both hiring and training staff.
Subordinate
Lower in rank or position
His subordinate officers
Supervisor
A role that entails monitoring and evaluation.
The thesis supervisor guided her through her research.
Subordinate
A person under the authority or control of another within an organization
He was mild-mannered, especially with his subordinates
Supervisor
A supervisor, or also known as foreman, boss, overseer, facilitator, monitor, area coordinator, or sometimes gaffer, is the job title of a low level management position that is primarily based on authority over a worker or charge of a workplace. A supervisor can also be one of the most senior in the staff at the place of work, such as a Professor who oversees a PhD dissertation.
Subordinate
Treat or regard as of lesser importance than something else
Practical considerations were subordinated to political expediency
Supervisor
A person who supervises a person or an activity.
Subordinate
Belonging to a lower or inferior class or rank; secondary.
Supervisor
One who supervises.
Subordinate
Subject to the authority or control of another.
Supervisor
One who is in charge of a particular department or unit, as in a governmental agency or school system.
Subordinate
One that is subordinate.
Supervisor
One who is an elected administrative officer in certain US counties and townships.
Subordinate
To put in a lower or inferior rank or class.
Supervisor
(management) A person with the official task of overseeing the work of a person or group, or of other operations and activities.
Subordinate
To make subservient; subdue.
Supervisor
A person who monitors someone to make sure they comply with rules or other requirements set for them.
Subordinate
Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
Supervisor
(US) In certain states, an elected member of the governing body for a county which is called the board of supervisors.
Subordinate
Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.
Supervisor
(computing) A process responsible for managing other processes.
Subordinate
Dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
In the sentence “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.
Supervisor
One who supervises; an overseer; an inspector; a superintendent; as, a supervisor of schools.
Subordinate
Descending in a regular series.
Supervisor
A spectator; a looker-on.
Subordinate
(countable) One who is subordinate.
Supervisor
One who supervises or has charge and direction of
Subordinate
(transitive) To make subservient.
Supervisor
A program that controls the execution of other programs
Subordinate
(transitive) To treat as of less value or importance.
Subordinate
To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.
Subordinate
Placed in a lower order, class, or rank; holding a lower or inferior position.
The several kinds and subordinate species of each are easily distinguished.
Subordinate
Inferior in order, nature, dignity, power, importance, or the like.
It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.
Subordinate
One who stands in order or rank below another; - distinguished from a principal.
Subordinate
To place in a lower order or class; to make or consider as of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one creature to another.
Subordinate
To make subject; to subject or subdue; as, to subordinate the passions to reason.
Subordinate
An assistant subject to the authority or control of another
Subordinate
A word that is more specific than a given word
Subordinate
Rank or order as less important or consider of less value;
Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools
Subordinate
Make subordinate, dependent, or subservient;
Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler
Subordinate
Lower in rank or importance
Subordinate
Subject or submissive to authority or the control of another;
A subordinate kingdom
Subordinate
Of a clause; unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence;
A subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence
Subordinate
Inferior in rank or status;
The junior faculty
A lowly corporal
Petty officialdom
A subordinate functionary
Common Curiosities
What skills are important for a supervisor?
Leadership, strategic planning, and people management skills are crucial for a supervisor.
How does a supervisor's role differ from that of a subordinate?
A supervisor manages and directs the work of subordinates, making decisions that impact team operations.
Can a subordinate also have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes, a subordinate can have supervisory responsibilities if they oversee less senior staff within their specific role.
What challenges do supervisors face?
Supervisors face challenges like team management, conflict resolution, and balancing multiple projects.
What is the main function of a subordinate?
A subordinate's main function is to carry out specific tasks and responsibilities assigned by their supervisor.
How do subordinates contribute to an organization?
Subordinates contribute by performing operational tasks essential for the daily functions and project executions within an organization.
What is a typical career path from subordinate to supervisor?
Typically, it involves gaining experience, developing managerial skills, and taking on increasing responsibilities.
How should supervisors treat their subordinates?
Supervisors should treat subordinates fairly, provide clear guidance, and support their professional development.
How do subordinates improve their chances of becoming a supervisor?
By demonstrating competence, leadership potential, and a proactive attitude toward career development.
What impact does a good supervisor have on subordinates?
A good supervisor positively impacts subordinates by increasing job satisfaction, productivity, and career progression.
Can a subordinate become a supervisor within the same team?
Yes, a subordinate can be promoted to a supervisor position within the same team, depending on their performance and experience.
What legal responsibilities do supervisors have?
Supervisors have legal responsibilities to ensure a safe work environment and to adhere to employment laws.
What training is required for a supervisor?
Training in leadership, conflict management, and specific industry skills is often required.
How do the roles of subordinate and supervisor interact in achieving company goals?
The roles interact through a structured hierarchy where supervisors set goals and subordinates execute tasks, together driving company success.
Are supervisors involved in strategic planning?
Yes, supervisors often participate in strategic planning to align team goals with organizational objectives.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Duct vs. Gland
Next Comparison
Solidness vs. SolidityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
