How to Supervise International PhD Students: A Narrative Inquiry Study

Abstract

This narrative inquiry study was undertaken, recruiting 06 successful PhD students in China. The participants were invited and semi-structured interviews were taken one-by-one. The study aimed to explore information about supervisor-supervisee relationship and factors that motivate international PhD students to enhance their research outcomes in a cross-cultural environment. The qualitative data were coded, using QDA miner lite software. After the formation of initial codes, five major categories were emerged included: empowerment, usefulness, success, interest and caring.  Each category represented the respective component of MUSIC model of academic motivation (Jones, 2009). The findings illustrated that International PhD students are satisfied with work and life. The supervisors used effective strategies to motivate international PhD supervisees to enhance academic outcomes. The study uncovered students’ expectations which included: formal meetings, feedback, guidance, and team work. Based on study findings and results, the MUSIC model can be used as supervision strategy. It is a comprehensive model where all of its five components cover the supervisees’ expectations.