Description
An organization is a collection of individuals gathered together to serve a purpose. Over time, an organization can stagnate and lose sight of its mission and goals. This is where the social worker’s understanding of management theories may be effective. Management theories help to increase production and improve the quality of service to clients. It is often necessary to be aware of multiple theories to apply, as each organization varies in its own culture and systems. Social workers learn to work from a systems perspective that emphasizes examining the organization from a broad perspective, coordinating programs to work as a collective whole for the good of the client. In this Discussion, you examine the various types of organizations and management theories with which social workers often interact.
For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources and descriptions of organizations and management theories.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Readings
Netting, F. E., Kettner, P. M., McMurtry, S. L., & Thomas, M. L. (2017). Social work macro practice (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 3, “Engaging With Diverse Populations” (pp. 59–86)
Chapter 7, “Understanding Organization
Post the following:
Describe a management theory that you can apply to macro social work practice in your community.
Identify one example and explain how the theory relates to your community.
