The PhD whisperer: a collection of doctoral researchers’ problematic incidents with their supervisors

This viewpoint article examines the impact of supervisory relationships on the academic progress of PhD researchers based on my experiential evidence as a doctoral candidate. Initially, the Didaktik triangle is employed to explore the dynamics of supervisor-supervisee relationships (SSRs), and I contend that there are four discrete categories of supervisory styles. Subsequently, I employ vignettes derived from personal anecdotes of my PhD peers to scrutinise the pragmatic hurdles and intricate ethical dilemmas inherent in SSRs and within the institutional context. Provided are perspectives and reflections of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, accompanied by a synthesis of relevant psychosocial and sociological paradigms in the framework of academic communities. I aim to provide insight into the complexities of SSRs in higher education and propose practical solutions to address the associated challenges. This article serves as a cautionary guide for doctoral researchers, outlining areas of potential concern to consider throughout their academic pursuits. It provides an alternative conceptualisation of the interplay between mind and matter within doctoral development, highlighting the importance of considering the intricacies of SSRs, departmental structures, institutional policies, and broader university contexts.