The goal of this study was to explore the perceptions, challenges and coping strategies of social work managers regarding their management functions. Management is vital for growth and survival of the social welfare sector and this can be realized if social work managers understand and are able to execute their management functions. This study utilized a qualitative research approach to unpack the perceptions and challenges of social work managers. Explorative, descriptive and contextual research designs were used to explore how social work managers cope in their settings. Data were collected from social work managers in the NGO sector and the Department of Social Development, through semistructured interviews. A sample was selected by using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Creswell’s (2007:150) analytical spiral model, and data was verified using Guba’s model in Creswell (2007:150). Relevant social research ethical issues were fully considered in this study. The study revealed that there were social work managers who had the basic understanding of what social work management entails, whilst there were also those who did not understand what is meant by the concept ‘social work management’. In this study it was found that social work managers perform key management functions and roles such as planning, organising, leading, controlling, supervision, fundraising and financial management, coordination of services and performance management. The study revealed common challenges which are faced by social work managers. These challenges include a shortage of human resources, physical resources shortage, a lack of knowledge on management and a lack of adequate funding. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

The serious shortage of social workers (nationally) caused by their exodus from the profession at an alarming rate and the resultant classification of social work as a "scare skill" served as motivation for this research project into retention strategies to retain social workers for the profession. A qualitative research approach and an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with 15 purposely selected participants in the geographically defined boundaries of the Northern Free State and Gauteng. Tesch's (in Creswell, 1994) and Guba's models (in Krefting, 1991) aided the processes of data collection and verification, respectively. The research findings uncovered: general and specific reasons for the social workers' exodus, feelings and emotional reactions of social workers subsequent to the early exodus from the profession, and retention proposals to retain social workers. Based on the findings, recommendation directed to practice, education, policy and further research, were made. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

The serious shortage of social workers (nationally) caused by their exodus from the profession at an alarming rate and the resultant classification of social work as a "scare skill" served as motivation for this research project into retention strategies to retain social workers for the profession. A qualitative research approach and an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with 15 purposely selected participants in the geographically defined boundaries of the Northern Free State and Gauteng. Tesch's (in Creswell, 1994) and Guba's models (in Krefting, 1991) aided the processes of data collection and verification, respectively. The research findings uncovered: general and specific reasons for the social workers' exodus, feelings and emotional reactions of social workers subsequent to the early exodus from the profession, and retention proposals to retain social workers. Based on the findings, recommendation directed to practice, education, policy and further research, were made. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)