Masters Degrees (Social Work)

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Consultation services for social work supervisors at the Department of Social Services, Provincial Administration, Western Cape : an exploratory study
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997) Baardtman, Desmond Andre; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study relating to consultation for social work supervisors in the Department of Social Services, Provincial Administration of the Western Cape, in performing the supervisory function was undertaken. The relative absence of specific literature, research results and a written policy pertaining to consultation in social work, as well as deficiencies in social work practice relating to the inefficient utilisation of consultation promted this particular study, as a contribution to both the social work profession and the service agency involved. An empirical study based on the literature study was performed on a test sample comprising four service offices of the Department of Social Services in the Cape Metropolitan area. The empirical study examined and described the existing system of consultation in the Department Social Services and the respondents opinions, attitudes, knowledge and shortcomings in this regard. The data collected by means of interview schedules, described the utilisation and application of consultation in social work in the Department of Social Services in order to have a conception of variables which is proposed as a guide for action. Consultation in social work is important for the performance of the supervisory function. In fulfilling the supervisory function effectively, the social work supervisors should receive consultation on a regular basis as regular feedback or evaluation to social work supervisors is important in order for them to assess their performance progress. As an aspect of the more inclusive concept of staff development consultation also aims at improving working conditions of social work supervisors, thereby preventing the extensions of ineffective service rendering. The study also provided information on the theory of consultation in social work on the one hand and on the other hand suggested guidelines for developing and formulating policy for consultation in social work. It is, however, important that the proposed actions of the study are implemented in order to determine the effectiveness thereof.
'n Evaluering van die kostedoeltreffendheid van maatskaplikewelsynsprogramme vir die versorging van ouer persone in residensiele fasiliteite
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Van der Merwe, William Charles; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1988 it became practice for welfare organisations to submit an evaluation of their welfare programme as part of their application for state funding for the next year. Included in this evaluation is a section on the cost efficiency of the programme. After the first democratic election in 1994 a number of processes were started to develop new welfare policies for the country. In all of these processes cost efficiency is seen as a principle, but in spite of this, so it seems from the documents, is the evaluation of cost efficiency still a problem. The question therefore arises: What is the present status of the evaluation of the cost efficiency of social services after twelve years of program evaluation? Only a few studies on the methodology of the evaluation of cost efficiency within the South African context were found through the literature study. An exploratory study was therefore undertaken to determine what the reasons could be why so little progress was made with cost effiency evaluation. The empirical study focussed on residential facilities for older persons and was done within one welfare organisation in the Western- and Southern Cape. A sample of twenty managers was randomly selected and fifteen respondents returned the questionaire. It is a potential danger that managers of residential facilities for older persons could see the evaluation of the services rendered as just another administrative task, because of the very strong link between evaluation and the application for state funding. The researcher therefore wanted to ascertain what the attitude of the managers is towards the evaluation of their services, and especially the evaluation of the cost-efficiency thereof. It was found that the managers are positive towards program evaluation and the evaluation of cost efficiency, but the majority of them responded that the lack of guidelines and manuals is a deficiency. The lack of proper measuring instruments was also stressed. The research also shown that the managers conceptualize cost efficiency mainly in terms of costs and not as a relation between the outcomes of the programme and the costs thereof. The managers of residential facilities uses the evaluation document that was send out by the department, because it forms part of the application for state funding. This means that the level of program evaluation is actually determined by the department. It was found that this document focused mainly on the measuring of inputs and outputs and not so much of the evaluation of the outcomes of the programme. Based on the results of the study the researcher proposed guidelines to promote the evaluation of the cost efficiency of social services.
Faktore wat 'n demotiverende invloed op die maatskaplike werker verbonde aan die SAPD tot gevolg het : 'n maatskaplikewerk-perspektief
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-03) De Klerk, Gertruide Margaretha; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The choice of and motivation for the study is to determine which factors have a demotivational effect on social workers employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Practical experience indicates that these social workers display a general attitude of being demotivated. It is of critical importance that members from this unit should be motivated and enthusiastic, enabling them to be of optimal service to the personnel of the SAPS. As part of this study emphasis has been placed on literature concerning motivation and theories of motivation, as well as factors which have a demotivational effect on employees, in particular members of the helping professions. These stressors, as identified, are subsequently linked to occupational social workers who are employed by the SAPS. The aim of the empirical study is to determine which factors de motivate these social workers. The data and accompanying results, as gathered from the empirical study, clearly indicates that specific de motivators are present among the social workers. The identified de motivators confirm data as discussed in the chapters which contain the literature study. The suggestion emanating from the results of the research is that the management component of Social Work Services: SAPS should, as a matter of urgency, initiate a proactive as well as a reactive strategy on the basis of the data presented.
Die funksie van werknemershulpprogramme in bedryfsondernemings : riglyne vir maatskaplik werkers in privaat praktyk
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Davies, Priscilla Sylvia; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The work environment in South Africa is currently undergoing dramatic changes that are caused by a variety of factors and increasing pressure is placed on industries to take more responsibilities for the wellbeing of their employees. The structure and philosophy of employee assistance programmes provide an unique opportunity to organizations to address the changing workplace and the needs of employees in a potential growth productive way. From an employers viewpoint employee assistance programmes are becoming essential for the success of present day companies and the employee assistance programme practitioner is steadily becoming part of the corporative policy formulating team. Due to the fact that there are no guidelines or much literature in the South African context regarding the application of employee assistance programmes in organizations, and in the absence of any specific practice approach for a social worker in private practice that delivers services within employee assistance programmes, the goal of this study is to provide guidelines that can serve to provide a social worker in private practice who is involved with employee assistance programmes, or that considers entering this field, with accurate and relevant information of such programmes. Guidelines won't only contribute to the application of employee assistance programmes to its full potential, but will also assist a social worker in private practice during negotiations to implement and determine an appropriate model for service delivery in a specific organization. In order to achieve the goal of this study, a literature as well as an empirical study was undertaken. The literature study had a dual purpose. Firstly it was conducted in order to describe the value of the utilization of employee assistance programmes in organizations and included the relevant concepts and elements of employee assistance programmes. Secondly, the literature study has been utilized in order to provide a useful conceptual framework for social workers in private practice by placing employee assistance programmes within the framework of the generic perspective. The findings of the literature study emphasize the re-focusing of employee assistance programmes on the dual client system with alliance to micro- as well as macro activities, as well as the fact that more specialized abilities are required from a social worker in private practice. Further, it emphasizes that employee assistance programmes provides structure to the professional activities of a social worker in private practice and as such contributes to these activities having a more effective impact in organizations. The empirical study was undertaken in order to determine the knowledge and opinion of the key personnel in organizations that are involved in the decision-making whether or not to invest in a program of this kind, and the nature of the employee assistance programme. This step has been taken, not only to make a social worker in private practice aware of the viewpoints of these people, but also to determine the possibilities for introducing an employee assistance programme in an organization and at the same time identify aspects that might be against the adoption of such a programme. The findings of the empirical study indicated that the key personnel maintain a caring philosophy towards their employees that is linked to productivity. Their expectations of an employee assistance programme is linked closely to this, and is only associated with micro level activities. Further more, the findings points to a lack of knowledge as far as the true nature, purpose and function of an employee assistance programme is concerned. In conclusion, recommendations were made based on the deductions and findings of the literature as well as the empirical study. These recommendations also serve as guidelines for a social worker in private practice who is involved with employee assistance programmes.
Die maatskaplike werker as ondersteuningsbron vir geneeshere in privaat praktyk
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Vogt, Tertia; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compile practical guidelines to assist medical practitioners in utilizing social work services in their practices. Exploratory, descriptive and applied research was done to determine and describe medical practitioners' knowledge of psychosocial problems and their present and potential utilization of social work services. Results were generalized in respect of the population as a whole. In the theoretical study social functioning was conceptualized by the description of micro, mezzo and macro levels of functioning. The approach towards rendering of services (in the Medical field) and intervention (in the Social Work field) was described, followed by recommendations for the eclectical utilization of the approaches. The eclectical application of the intervention approaches requires that social workers should have certain knowledge, values and skills to interpret certain roles. This occurs within certain social work areas, with the achievement of the aims and functions of Social Work as goal. The ethical and value basis of Social Work and Medical Science shows certain similarities and disparities. The values of Social Work, as contained in the Behavioural- and Ethical Code for Social Work and the Oath of Hippocrates, in Medical Science, are described in this study. In the empirical study qualitative and quantitative information was gathered, inter alia, about the existence of psychosocial problems of patients in medical practitioners' practices, how medical practitioners handled them, how well equipped they were to do it, their present and potential utilization of Social Work services, the role of third parties in the rendering of services and referral procedures. Thirty nine (39) medical practitioners, selected by random sampling procedure, were involved in the study and completed selfadministered questionnaires. The majority respondents indicated that their undergraduate training was inadequate in enabling them to handle psychosocial problems of patients. The entire spectrum of psychosocial problems existed in all the respondents' practices. The majority of respondents handled such problems themselves, while specialists, psychologists and psychiatrists were at times used as resources. The majority of respondents indicated that they could perhaps utilize Social Work services and that there is a great need for such a resource. Most medical practitioners preferred to send written referrals via patients, with the responsibility being with the patient for making an appointment with the social worker. Minimal use was made of third parties in the patients' frame of reference in the assessment and treatment of patients. Third parties, within the reference framework of patients, were used minimally by medical practitioners in the making of assessments and the rendering of services. Respondents had divergent opinions regarding their competence in the psychosocial field of service rendering. The majority of respondents indicated the need for training programs focusing on the handling of patients' psychosocial problems. Limited time for attending such training programs was however mentioned as the biggest obstacle. These findings of the empirical study, together with the theoretical framework, were used as a guideline for the composition of a practical guideline for the referral of services to social workers in private practice.
Maatskaplikewerk-hulpverlening aan die korrektiewe beampte as slagoffer van gevangenisgeweld
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997-12) Rossouw, Alec; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The social worker, as part of the managerial team in die Department of Correctional Services, must be able to render services to, and support the correctional officer, who has been exposed to a incident of violence. To be a source of support to the correctional officer, the social worker must be aware of the exposure of the officer to violence inside the workplace, the impact of this violence on his person and his need for support by the social worker and management. This exploratory study endeavours to create a scientifically based framework for the social worker to render services to and support the correctional officer who has been exposed to an incident of violence. The correctional officer's exposure to violence in his workplace, the impact of the violence on his person and his need for support were determined and described by means of questionnaires. The respondents were 3 7 correctional officers from Brandvlei Maximum Prison. Conclusions and recomendations were made which focused, amongst others, on the knowledge of the prevalence of violence inside the prison, support to the victim, guidance programmes, employers assistance programmes and defusing of the victim. The framework of this research can be utilised by social workers and management in the Department of Correctional Services in the handling of the correctional officer who has been exposed to violence and to act proactively to prevent the exposure of the officer to violence.
Maatskaplikewerk-supervisie binne die KPA : tak hospitaal- en gesondheidsdienste in die Wes-Kaap
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1992-12) Swart, Marietjie Cecilia; Botha, N. J.; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Social Work Supervision is an indirect service to provide an effective and goal-achieving service. The supervisor enhances the knowledge, skill and attitude of the supervisee and thereby enables him to meet the demands for accountability. To assure effective supervision, requires policy for social work supervision. The goal of this study was to examine how social work supervision was done in the Cape Provincial Administration: Branch Hospital- and Health Services and to determine whether policy for social work supervision exists. This study was also aimed at providing the Cape Provincial Administration: Branch Hospital- and Health Services, Western-Cape with guidelines for the development of policy for social work supervision. The study focused on the structure, goal and function of the Cape Provincial Administration: Branch Hospital- and Health Services. The development, services and integration of the Department of Social Work in the Cape Provincial Administration: Branch Hospital- and Health Services was explored. Medical services is the primary function of the hospital and social work services therefore fulfill a supplementary role in the hospital. A description has been given of the knowledge and skill the social worker will need about the hospital in which he is working, the people whom he helps, the problems he has to deal with, the process through which help is given and the application of himself as an instrument. The goal, function, nature and demands of supervision was studied. The supervisors' administrative-, educational- and supportive functions have been discribed and this brought forward the requirements and responsibilities of the supervisors. The educational function of the supervisor provide the basis for supervision and refers to the use of an educational model, -evaluation and -program for each social worker. The supervisor should be able to utilize both methods of supervision and be capable of doing supervision by contract Selection criteria should be applied and training in supervision should be made compulsary. Policy for social work supervision should be formulated and implemented. This study indicates the process whereby policy should be developed, describe the aspects of concern when policy is implemented and stipulate how policy should be evaluated. If these suggestions are taken into account when policy for social work supervision is drawn up, the policy could be used as a guideline for supervision services.
Psychosocial stress experienced by correctional officials
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Le Tape, Andre Rhyno; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to gain insight into the nature of psychosocial stress experienced by correctional officials. In order to achieve this, a literature study was undertaken regarding the nature of psychosocial stress from an ecological perspective as well as strategies that the occupational social worker, management and central government can employ to address stress experienced by correctional officials. Secondly, an empirical study was undertaken and information on the research topic was obtained from correctional officials that worked on the sections inside prisons and who worked directly with inmates. The study indicated that low motivation amongst colleagues, insufficient salaries and bad collegial co-operation were factors that had a major influence on psychosocial stress experienced by correctional officials. Factors such as family responsibilities as opposed to work responsibilities; drug-or alcohol abuse as well as physical constraints have less of an impact on psychosocial stress. It was furthermore found that the need for confidentiality, guidance in stress management and emotional support enjoys a high priority with correctional officials regarding social worker intervention. Issues such as the need that the social worker should form part of a multi-disciplinary team or that he/she should mobilise their colleagues and supervisors for support enjoyed a lesser preference with correctional officials. With regard to the role of management it was found that correctional officials require that management should primarily provide more promotional opportunities and should develop a more satisfactory merit system. Dissatisfaction with the Department of Correctional Services' Employee Assistance Programme and the present shift system were less of a concern to correctional officials. It was concluded that that stressors experienced by correctional officials are varied and include feelings of anger, depression and a general dissatisfaction with managerial styles and certain departmental actions and procedures. It was also very evident that many correctional officials felt that they do not have an appropriate avenue to deal with their stress. If this situation prevails, it was concluded that it will exacerbate correctional officials' poor social functioning. With regard to social worker intervention it was concluded that the vast majority of correctional officials are in dire need of social work intervention to assist them in effectively dealing with stress. It was further concluded that the Department of Correctional Services does not have sufficient structures in place to support correctional officials during stressful periods. Management has a vital role to play in supporting correctional officials when coping with psychosocial stress. If the present situation remains unattended to by management it may impede correctional officials' ability to deal with stress. Recommendations by respondents also indicated a low level of involvement by management in the practical stressors which correctional officials may face. It was also concluded that present attempts by management to deal with psychosocial stress effectively through the induction of an Employee Assistance Programme and the longstanding grievance procedure, have severe practical limitations. Recommendations were made to the social worker, management and central government regarding effectively addressing psychosocial stress experienced by correctional officials working on sections and who are primarily responsible for the guarding of inmates.
Riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers by etnies-sensitiewe rouberaad met Xhosa-sprekende persone
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Rautenbach, Marina Ninette; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to establish guidelines for ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people. These guidelines are specifically aimed at Social Workers who do bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people. In order to formulate the guidelines, both literature review and empirical studies were undertaken. The literature review consists of two chapters. In the first chapter the ethnicsensitive perspective and bereavement counselling models are discussed and attention is given to the integration of the ethnic-sensitive perspective with bereavement counselling models. The second chapter deals with death and bereavement in the Xhosa culture, the role of the Social Worker as bereavement counsellor and the knowledge, values and skills required to do bereavement counselling. Through the literature review it was established that specific knowledge of a Xhosa speaking person's bereavement process is essential for any Social Worker who wishes to do ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with a Xhosa speaking person. Skills and values must be tailored to the needs of the Xhosa speaking person in bereavement. During the literature review it also became clear that successful ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling can only be done if the Social Worker is totally knowledgeable about hislher own experiences and attitudes in respect of the bereavement process as well as in respect of another culture, for example the Xhosa culture. The empirical study was done to establish the needs of Xhosa speaking people in respect of bereavement counselling. The respondents consisted of Xhosa speaking individuals who were in the bereavement process. The measurement instrument consisted of a questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative questions and these were completed by ten respondents. The sample of ten respondents were selected from amongst respondents who were available and willing to participate in the research. The findings of the empirical study pointed to the unique needs of Xhosa speaking people which must be considered during bereavement counselling with them. It was also confirmed that a Social Worker required specific knowledge of Xhosa speaking people's bereavement process in order to deliver ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling. The finding establishes clear guidelines for Social Workers doing ethnic-sensitive bereavement counselling with Xhosa speaking people.
Die rol van die maatskaplike werker by die bemagtiging van vrywilligers by 'n slagofferondersteuningsentrum
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Londt, Natalie; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Through the establishment of victim support centres, NICRO Eastern Cape aims to develop community networks that render available and appropriate support services to victims of crime. Social workers empower volunteers to run the centres. In order for the social workers to empower volunteers, they need to clearly understand their role in the empowerment process. The goal of the study is to clarify the role of social workers when empowering volunteers at community victim support centres. The profile, motivation and current empowerment of volunteers at NICRO Eastern Cape were determined and described by means of questionnaires. The respondents were fifteen volunteers and three social workers. Conclusions and recommendations were made which focused, among other aspects, on the training of social workers and strategic planning around empowerment. The framework of this research report can be utilized by social workers in the empowering of volunteers, which could possibly lead to victim support centres that are managed by volunteers, as representatives of communities, independently from NICRO.
Die rol van die militêre maatskaplike werker by bestuursopleiding van die laevlakbestuurder in die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Luitjies, Raelene; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Because of changes and increasing demands within the workplace, it has been decided that the frontline-manager within the SANDF ought to acquire particular interpersonal skills so as to ensure optimum performance on the part of subordinates and to achieve organisational objectives. The development of a management training programme for front-line managers would fill this need. This has resulted in a need to empirically test the role of the military social worker and the management skills that the front-line manager ought to have acquired. The aim of the study is to identify the knowledge and skills required by the military social worker by means of a literature and empirical study and to empirically test possible content in a management training programme. All social worker officers of the Western Province Medical Command were involved in the empirical study. The findings of the empirical study are being used to establish guidelines for the content of a front-line management training programme within the South African National Defence Force. Industrial social work is regarded as a relatively young area of specialisation in social work. Because of this, a short historical overview is provided, with specific reference to the USA and South Africa. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the historical development of military social work. The four positions relating to the practice model for military social work are discussed to help identify the best position for utilisation in management training of front-line managers. The literature study determined that the ecosystem approach, because of its dual focus on the person in the environment or the employee in the working environment provides a suitable framework for the military social worker. The ecological approach serves as a basis for the study. Against the background of recent literature, a complete survey of the management tasks and skills of the front-line, as well as the human approach to management, is given. The content of subjects which focus on the interpersonal skills of front-line managers in the SANDF and which may be included in a management training programme are discussed. In conclusion, the responses from military social workers of the Western Province Medical Command are discussed and compared with the relevant literature. The literature study, and the empirical results, are utilised to establish guidelines for a management training programme for front-line managers in the SANDF.
Die rol van maatskaplike werkers in bedryfsorganisasies ten opsigte van leierskapsontwikkeling by grondvlakwerknemers
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Kotze, Maria Johanna; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An explorative study of the Social Worker's role and responsibilities to develop the leadership potential of grassrootslevel employees in industrial organisations was undertaken. This subject was chosen with requirements in mind, which are necessary for the transformation process to be presented to industrial organisations for the implementation of affirmative action. A comprehensive literature study revealed that social workers can make a positive and essential contribution to organisations, either as an industrial social worker, or an affirmative action specialist, or as a member of the human resources development team. A discussion of the necessary leadership qualities, the implementation of affirmative action, and useful resources that may be used for development programs, is included. The literature study was followed by an empirical study. The empirical study was made with the assistance of questionnaires. The questionnaires were used to collect data on the perceived role of social work in the industrial organisation. Organisations that do utilise social work services were approached for permission and co-operation to complete the questionnaires. Seventeen respondents from fifteen organisations were selected in a random process, for inclusion in the study. The research indicated that social workers have different roles to play in vanous organisations, and with the values, knowledge base and competencies that are brought to the organisation, have a responsibility to ensure that affirmative action and labour equality is brought to fruition. With regard to the implementation of leadership development programs in industrial organisations, it was noted that grassroots level employees were seldom included in the programs, although the majority of social workers believe that all employees should participate in the programs. A summary of the skills and knowledge base required by the industrial social worker to deliver an effective service in the organisation, and to manage the development and training of employees, is included. Some skills that require further development by social workers were identified. It was also found that individuals hold different perceptions and definitions of affirmative action and it's implementation in organisations. The recommendations are, inter alia, that all leadership development programs must be continuously monitored, evaluated and subsequently followed up to assess their applicability and effectiveness. The training of industrial social workers must focus more on the development of negotiating and training skills and stimulation of assertive actions. A larger variety of resources, such as video recordings, role playing, dramatisation, interactive computer programs and small group discussions, can be used in addition, for the training and development of grassroots level employees. Should these recommendations be implemented, industrial social workers can make a significant contribution to the development and improvement of South Africa's economic, political and social situation by extending the potential of the grassroots level employees, who constitute the greatest portion of the total labour force. A group of people can thus be empowered to function optimally and to respond to the guidelines of the White Paper for Social Welfare 1997.
Strategiese beplanning in maatskaplike werk met spesifieke verwysing na die formulering van diensvoorstelle
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Small, Willem; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to formulate guidelines whereby social work managers can use strategic planning as a management tool especially with regard to the formulation of service proposals or business plans. In order to accomplish this, a literature review was done about social work management within the context of a changing environment, the nature and process of strategic planning, and social work planning and the development of program financing. An empirical research was done to determine the use of strategic planning and to analyse the relationship between the formulation of service proposals and the implementation of strategic planning. The research sample was determined through a selection of welfare organisations which previously formulated a service proposal and who employ two or more top- or middle level managers. This led to six state welfare offices and ten private welfare organisations being included in the study. Self administered questionnaires were distributed to top- and middle management of which 21 of the respondents formed part of a state district welfare office and 19 formed part of a private welfare organisation. The findings are related to the following four aspects: The identified details of social work managers; the application of social work management; the use of strategic planning; and the use of service proposals. The most important findings were that certain social work managers occupy managerial positions without the necessary management training; they do not integrate and implement the components of management as a continuous process; middle management are confused about the application of strategic planning; welfare organisations do, to a greater extent, use and apply strategic planning but there is uncertainty concerning aspects of strategic planning. Furthermore, it was found that social work managers and personnel working for the specific state welfare offices are less optimistic about the formulation of service proposals compared to those working for private welfare organisations. It was also found that social work managers are of the opinion that strategic planning first needs to be applied before service proposals or business plans can be formulated. The literature review and the conclusions influenced the recommendations made concerning managerial training, development of managerial skills, the upgrading and use of planning instruments and the integration of the different planning types namely strategic planning, business planning or service proposals, and operational planning.
Die toepassing van die ondersteuningsfunksie in supervisie aan maatskaplike werkers in 'n geestesgesondheidsopset
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Jeftha, Ellen Magdalena; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to investigate the sources of stress and burnout in the social work profession and specifically in mental health settings. In order to achieve this, a literature study is undertaken which identified the sources of stress and burnout as external and internal stresses. External stresses can be identified as the administrative function of supervision, the educational function of supervision, and the relationship between the supervisor, the social worker and the client, aspects in the social work profession and the organisation. The personality and gender of the social worker are discussed as internal sources of stress. Social workers' experiences of stress and burnout are explored against the background of the socio-economic and political changes after the first democratic election in 1994 in South Africa. The literature review also indicated that there are peculiar stresses in mental health settings due to the clients' mental conditions. An exploratory study was undertaken in which 17 social workers in the Peninsula, working in mental health settings, participated. Information on the research topic was obtained by means of anonymous questionnaires. A group interview was arranged to ensure that all the questionnaires were received. It was found that since the 1994 democratic election, social workers worked under more stressful circumstances due to limited resources, restructuring, decreased manpower, a higher caseload, deinstitutionalisation of mental patients and an increased amount of uncertainty with regard to job security. Aspects in the social work profession that caused the most stress were identified as insufficient salaries and limited opportunities for promotion. The participants revealed uncertainty with regard to their future in the social work profession. Social workers acknowledge the importance of the supportive function of supervision but are also of the opinion that individuals should take responsibility to address burnout. Strategies that can be used by the social worker, the organisation and the supervisor to address burnout, are discussed. On the basis of the results and conclusion of the study, recommendations are made to supervisors, as well as further research.

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