Netting Ch.

3: Understanding Community & Organizational Problems September 9, 2013

What is Social Work Practice? o Social work is a profession oriented toward action and change. o The majority of social workers deal with change directly with clients, usually working with individuals one on one, or with families or small groups. o Intervention in organizations or communities is referred to as macro-level change. o Social work students often express the concern that they came into the profession because of an interest in working with individuals and families, not with communities and organizations. This can sometimes present an ethical dilemma, because at times what a client or family most needs in the long run is macro-level change. o Macro practice is a collaborative effort, and change will rarely be immediate. Planned change is often incremental and cumulative. The Role of the Social Worker in Macro Practice The Social Workers Entry into an Episode of Macro-Level Change o Social workers find themselves drawn into episodes of macro practice through a number of different avenues, which we will refer to as (1) problem/need/opportunity, (2) population, and (3) arena. As the intervention becomes more clearly conceptualized and defined, political and policy contexts must also be taken into consideration. o In the practice of social work, one finds more avenues or points of entry that lead to the use of macro-practice skill. o Rational planning approach based on a study of the current situation and a carefully developed and prescribed plan for change that leads to predetermined outcomes. Rational approaches to change are typically preferred by funders and regulators; thus, it is important that the social worker be as certain as possible about the course of action to be taken in professionally assisted planned change, since there is often so much at stake. o In order to be effective in bringing about macro-level change, the social worker and collaborators must begin by becoming knowledgeable about (1) the problem, need, or opportunity; (2) the population affected; and (3) the locality or arena where the change will take place. These three domains can also be thought of as three intersecting circles in which the most critical knowledge and information is at the points of overlap. Guidelines for Planning Change o For change to be initiated there must be an individual or small group that recognizes the need for change and is prepared to take action. Exploring the Professional Knowledge Base Narrowing Down to the Most Useful Data and Information In summary, the activities undertaken in the study phase of macro-level change include the following: Problem Explore the professional knowledge base to Conceptualize and define the problem or need. Locate relevant literature on theory related to causes and consequences of the problem. Compile relevant quantitative and qualitative data and other forms of information.

Netting Ch. 3: Understanding Community & Organizational Problems September 9, 2013

Interview those affected by the problem or need to Understand the historical development at the local level. Identify major participants and systems. Population Explore the professional knowledge base to Know as much as possible about the population affected. Understand cultures and ethnic groups represented. Understand gender issues. Interview those affected by the problem or need to Identify personal perspectives. Understand personal experiences in relation to the problem or need and attempts to deal with it. Understand how the problem or need is perceived by various groups within the organization or community. Arena Explore the professional knowledge base to Compile demographic and other data on the organization or community. Create useful maps of the community. Compile data on the problem or need and how it has been addressed by the organization or community. Interview those affected by the problem or need to: Identify past experiences with the organization or community. Establish boundaries for the proposed change. Identify key decision makers and funding sources. Understand the many different perspectives on the etiology of the problem or need.