Masters Degrees (Social Work)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Social Work) by browse.metadata.advisor "Engelbrecht, Lambert K. (Lambert Karel), 1961-"

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    The scope of information and communication technology (ICT) in the supervision of social workers
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12 ) Harris, Lee-Ancha; Engelbrecht, Lambert K. (Lambert Karel), 1961- ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of ICTs in the supervision of social workers seems to be a growing area of research, however, little to no literature focuses on the scope of the use of ICTs in supervision both nationally and internationally. Global research suggests that the increased use of ICTs in the supervision of social worker gives rise to a number of concerns such as ethics and the potential factors that impede on the supervisory process. These factors influence social workers experience of the use of ICTs in their supervision. Thus, with little to no insight into this phenomenon in a South African context, this study aimed to gain an understanding of the social workers experienceof the scope of ICTs used in their supervision at social work organisations in the Western Cape. The research adopted a qualitative approach. Furthermore, the researcher employed descriptive and exploratory research designs in order to gain an understanding of social workers experiences of the scope of ICTs used in their supervision as little to no research exist on this topic in a South African context. The research participants were recruited practicing social workers in the Western Cape that has experienced the use of ICTs in their supervision. These participants were recruited through means of non-probability sampling methods, specifically the purposive technique. The data collection process involved interviewing seventeen participants by means of a semi-structured interview via MS Teams. A thematic content analysis approach is employed to analyse the data collected from the semi-structured interviews. This research report contains two literature chapters. The first literature chapter conceptualises ICTs in the social work organisations and practice as well as the use of ICTs within social work organisations and practice. The second literature chapter conceptualises ICTs within social work supervision as well as describes the use of ICTs in social work supervision. These literature chapters serve as the foundation of chapter four which was an empirical study, presenting the data collected from the research participants and analysing their narratives in the context of the existing body of knowledge. These generated findings presented in the empirical study enabled the researcher to make and present conclusions and recommendations regarding the scope of ICTs used in social work interventions and supervision. The key conclusions deduced from this study is that ICTs are used in both social work interventions and supervision and that the frequency, types and experiences of the use differs depending on a number of factors. These factors include the potential factors impeding on the supervisory process, both the supervisor and supervisors’ level of professional identity and ethical concerns. Thus, social work organisations need to take a more transformational approach, adopting new innovative ways of ensuring high quality services to services users. Social workers and supervisors must also undergo training to learn how to effectively and ethical use ICTs in supervision in order to ensure professional development and ultimately high-quality services rendered.