How Do Ethics Translate? Identifying Ethical Challenges in Transnational Supervision Settings

This phenomenological study explores the ethical challenges experienced by both supervisors and supervisees in transnational settings. Thirty-two participants from sixteen countries completed an open-ended, short-answer survey of their experiences with ethical issues in supervision. Emerging themes were identified and results were sent to participants for review and additional responses. Findings revealed that multiple relationships, mandated reporting, and the lack of cultural discussions within supervisory settings were the most frequently cited ethical concerns identified by participants. The researchers propose specific practices for translating ethics in international supervision contexts that avoids a one-size-fits-all mindset through fostering ethical contextualization and acculturation.