Exploring the Fit between Doctoral Students’ and Supervisors’ Perceptions of Resources and Challenges vis-à-vis the Doctoral Journey

Abstract

This study explores the fit between doctoral students and their working environment by analyzing students’ and supervisors’ perceptions of resources and challenges involved in the doctoral process. The data were collected using online surveys. Altogether 1184 doctoral students and 431 supervisors completed the survey. The results suggest that the fit between the doctoral students’ and supervisors’ perceptions of resources and challenges is linked to the doctoral students’ satisfaction with their studies and the supervisory relationship. In faculties where the students’ and the supervisors’ perceptions of resources and challenges were similar, the students reported being more satisfied with their overall study process and supervisory support. The findings indicate that the fit between students and their working environment is related to how the students’ experience their doctoral process.