Using intelligent interaction to manage student–supervisor conflict: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: Student–supervisor conflict is inevitable in an academic setting. The purpose of the present study aimed to argue that using intelligent interaction as an appropriate strategy to manage the student–supervisor conflict in Iranian nursing schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was a part of larger grounded theory research. Data were collected by conducting a semi-structured interview with nine nursing students and five supervisors who were selected by purposeful sampling in the current investigation. Data analysis was done through the recommended method of Corbin and Strauss (2015). RESULTS: Intelligent interaction was extracted as one of the main categories for managing student–supervisor conflict. Intelligent interaction consisted of four subcategories including use a logic strategy, competent role play, flexible and smart selection, and getting help from other sources. CONCLUSION: Intelligent interaction is an appropriate strategy to resolve and manage the supervisor–student conflict in the Iranian academic setting. It is suggested that universities must consider intelligent interaction in developing a policy-procedure process for managing the student–supervisor conflict in Iranian academic settings.