James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

WS5001:06

Practice in Human Service Organisations *

Semester 2.

This subject aims to offer experienced social welfare practitioners a variety of critical insights: into the nature and dynamics of HSOs; into the ways that their practice both influences and is influenced by the organisational settings in which it is conducted; and into strategies for improving practice as a result of an increased awareness of organisational dynamics.

Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between social welfare practice and organisational environments, goals, technologies, structure and culture. Of particular interest are the implications for practice of uncertain and rapid change.

Learning Objectives:

1. be familiar with the nature and content of organisation theory in general and with a number of theoretical perspectives on HSOs in particular;
2. understand the implications for social welfare practice of the environment, goals, technology, structure and culture of HSOs;
3. have a deeper understanding of the nature of the organisational setting in which practice takes place;
4. be aware of the impact of the organisational environment on social welfare practice and vice versa;
5. know about a number of strategies for maintaining and improving effective social welfare practice within HSOs, whether in the government or the non-government sectors.

Assessment by reflective journal (50%); organisational analysis (25%); review paper (25%).