Thesis(PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 1996. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study is focussed on the evaluation of the development of participatory management in supervision. The motivation for the study was, firstly, the increasing transformation of supervision to a more managerial form whereby social workers are guided in the fulfilment of their professional obligations; secondly, that social workers and supervisors expressed an increasing desire and wi 11 ingness to share the responsibi 1 i ty of managing direct practice through participation. The research was conducted within the conceptual framework of developmental research. The investigation of the existing state of supervision was undertaken by means of a literature study, as well as a quantitative-and qualitative survey among supervisors and their supervisees. This survey was also used to evaluate how developments in the theory and practice of participatory management was being brought into supervision. The probability that participatory management would continue to be implemented and developed in practice is high, since it is bedded in a scientifically-sound conceptual basis derived from authoritative literature and empirical support. Practising supervisors and supervisees can continue to apply participatory management in the ongoing reformation and restructuring of their management of direct practice. It could also contribute towards the improved quality of direct practice. The implementation of participatory management should go'beyond organisational limits. It should extend to the profession's accountability to the wider client system, which should be made aware of changes in the approach to direct practice management in the form of greater participation between seniors and subordinates. It is regarded as essential that participatory management approaches be subjected to tests to determine their efficacy, validity, and reliability as practice methods in supervision. Follow-up evaluation would help in the further development of participatory management in supervision. Further research with regard to participatory management is necessary with the view to maintaining its features in conformity with contemporary trends in the continuous reconceptualisation of management theory and practices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is 'n evaluering van die ontwikkeling van deelnemende bestuur in supervisie. Die motivering vir die studie was eerstens die toEmemende ontwikkeling van supervisie tot 'n meer bestuursgerigte vorm wat maatskapl ike werkers in die ui tvoer van hulle professionele pligte rig; tweedens, dat maatskaplike werkers en supervisors 'n toenemende behoefte en bereidwilligheid te kenne gegee het om die verantwoordelikheid van praktykbestuur te deel. Die navorsing is binne die konsepsuele raamwerk van ontwikkelingsnavorsing onderneem. Die huidige stand van supervisie is deur middel van 'n literatuurstudie ondersoek, asook deur 'n kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe opname ender supervisors en maatskapl ike werkers. Hierdie opname is ook gebruik om te eval ueer hoe ontwikkel inge in die teorie en praktyk van deelnemende bestuur by supervisie ingesluit word. Deelnemende bestuur sal hoogs waarskynlik voortgaan om in die praktyk ge'implementeer en ontwikkel te word, aangesien di t op 'n wetenskaplik gesonde konsepsuele grondslag berus wat deur gesaghebbende literatuur en empiriese gegewens gerugsteun word. Supervisors en maatskaplike werkers kan voortgaan om deelnemende bestuur te gebruik in die voortdurende verbetering en herstrukturering van die bestuur van hul praktyke. Deelnemende bestuur kan ook die gehalte van direkte dienslewering verbeter. Die implementering van deelnemende bestuur behoort nie deur organisatoriese grense ingeperk te word nie, maar behoort uitgebrei te word tot die beroep se aanspreeklikheid teenoor die bre~r kli~ntestelsel deur bewusmaking van veranderinge in die benadering tot praktykbestuur in die vorm van groter deelname tussen seniors en ondergeskiktes. Di t is noodsaakl ik om benaderings tot deelnemende bestuur te toets om hul doeltreffendheid, geldigheid en betroubaarheid as praktykmetodes in supervisie te bepaal. Opvolg-evaluering sou 'n verdere hydrae tot die ontwikkeling van deelnemende bestuur in supervisie maak. Meer navorsing oor deelnemende bestuur is ook nodig om tred te hou met huidige tendense in die volgehoue herkonsepsualisering van bestuursteorie en -praktyke.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / 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. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om riglyne op te stel waarvolgens maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders strategiese beplanning as bestuurshulpmiddel kan benut, veral met betrekking tot die formulering van diensvoorstelle of besigheidsplanne. Ten einde die riglyne op te stel is 'n literatuurstudie gedoen oor maatskaplikewerk-bestuur binne die konteks van 'n veranderde omgewing, die aard en proses van strategiese beplanning, en maatskaplikewerk-beplanning en die ontwikkeling van programfinansiering. 'n Empiriese ondersoek is ook gedoen om die benutting van strategiese beplanning te bepaal en om die verband tussen die formulering van diensvoorstelle en die toepassing van strategiese beplanning te analiseer. Die steekproef is verkry deur 'n doelbewuste seleksie van welsynsinstansies wat voorheen 'n diensvoorstel geformuleer het, en wat twee of meer top of middelvlakbestuurders in diens het. Hiervolgens is ses staatswelsynskantore en tien privaat welsynsorganisasies by die studie betrek. Daar is hoofsaaklik gebruik gemaak van die self geadministreerde vraelys, en is aan top en middelvlak maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders versprei, waarvan 21 respondente indiens is van distrikswelsynskantore verbonde aan die Departement van Maatskaplike Dienste en 19 respondente, vorm deel van die privaat welsynsorganisasies. Die bevindings wat gemaak is hou hoofsaaklik verband met die volgende vier aspekte; Die identifiseerde besonderhede van maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders; die toepassing van maatskaplikewerk-bestuur; die benutting van strategiese beplanning; en die gebruik van diensvoorstelle. Die belangrikste bevindings was: - dat sekere maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders bestuursposisies beklee sonder die nodige bestuursopleiding, dat maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders nie die komponente van bestuur as deel van 'n aaneenlopende proses tot uitvoering bring nie, middelvlakbestuurders verwar is ten opsigte van die toepassing van strategiese beplanning, dat welsynsinstansies tot 'n groot mate wel strategiese beplanning toepas, maar dat daar steeds onsekerheid is ten opsigte van sekere aspekte van strategiese beplanning. Verder is bevind dat maatskaplikewerk-bestuurders en maatskaplikewerk-personeel verbonde aan die staatsdiens minder positief is oor die formulering van diensvoorstelle as diegene werksaam by privaat welsynsorganisasies en dat die formulering van diensvoorstelle of besigheidsplanne voorafgegaan moet word met die toepassing van strategiese beplanning. Op grond van die afleidings en gevolgtrekkings, asook die literatuurstudie is sekere aanbevelings gemaak rakende bestuursopleiding, ontwikkeling van bestuursvaardighede, verbetering van die gebruik van beplanningsinstrumente, en die integrering van die volgende beplanningstipes, naamlik strategiese beplanning, besigheidsplanne of diensvoorstelle en operasionele beplanning.

Change is inevitable and will be the hallmark of our lives. This study was undertaken against the background of the restructuring plans at the University of Durban Westville (UDW). It was motivated by a concern for the psychosocial consequences of organisational restructuring relating to non-academic employees at the university. A further motivation was the increased number of staff seeking counselling related to their anxiety, following the introduction of the voluntary severance packages. The basic premise of this study is that, while transformation is essential, it must be given a humane face. Organisational restructuring is placed within the broader rubric of change. The study was guided by the following research questions: • What are the psychosocial consequences of organisational restructuring for nonacademic staff at UDW? • How do non-academic staff react to the changes arising out of the restructuring process? • What are the views of non-academic staff about the organisational changes? Systems Theory and Crisis Theory have been used in the study to explain how individuals respond to change. The sample comprised 40 individuals who were employed by the University for a period ranging from under one year to 25 years. The research procedure adopted was one of triangulation. Data, both qualitative and quantitative in nature, were collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews and non-participant observation. Quantitative data was analysed using frequency distribution tables and cross tabulation tables. "Inductive analysis" was used for the formal analysis of qualitative data. The major finding of this study was that the respondents had no problem with transformation per se, but they were concerned about the manner in which it was being implemented at UDW. The majority of them felt that in attempting to meet transformational goals, the university management had compromised the fundamental requirements of fairness and sensitivity. Moreover, respondents believed that "unplanned change" was taking place too rapidly. This, they believed, contributed to a state of uncertainty and disorganisation. Changes needed to be phased in. The key recommendations regarding restructuring include the need for a commitment on the part of Management to the principles of fairness, justice and respect. A case is made for incremental and, manageable change. Programmes for employee development and counselling are crucial. The need for a participatory and transparent programme of change is also stressed. In short, wide ranging consultation, sound communication, an effective human resource team and a shared vision are all identified as essential elements for successful organizational restructuring. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1998.

The qualitative study into husband abuse that was undertaken was descriptive and exploratory in design. The eleven research participants, who were obtained through purposive sampling techniques, were men in heterosexual marriages, all living within the greater Durban area. The purpose of the study was to obtain insights into the experiences of abused husbands. More specifically the study aimed to develop insights into the types of abuse experienced, the effects of the abuse on the victims, how the victims have coped with the abuse, why they have remained in the abusive marriages, the services accessed by victims and their evaluation thereof and finally what services they considered essential for abused husbands. The sample size has limited the generalisability of the findings of the study to the larger population. The research study was however, successful in fulfilling its objectives and providing insights into a relatively unexplored area of study in South Africa. The results of the study have shown that the participants experienced all forms of abuse. The effects of the abuse included a decreased work performance, a diminished self-esteem, and several negative effects on the marital relationship. The abused men in the study have coped largely through the support and encouragement of family and friends and their religious beliefs. The participants' major reasons for wanting to remain in the marriage included anti-divorce beliefs, hope that the relationship would improve over time and concerns regarding the well being of their children. Participants accessed various sources of help in an attempt to qeal with the abuse. These included the criminal justice system, family and friends, religious and/or cultural leaders and social welfare agencies. Family members were rated as having been the most helpful source of help accessed, while the participants regarded the criminal justice system as having been the most ineffective, unhelpful and biased source accessed. One of the strongest themes that emerged from the study was all social services and laws were geared towards assisting women, while the men felt marginalised and discriminated. The study participants recommended that existing services available to abused women is extended to abused husbands as well, in order to holistically address the issue of domestic violence plaguing our society. A further recommendation from the study was that the Domestic Violence Act of 1998, which theoretically offers protection to all victims of domestic violence, needed to be practically available to abused men. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This study was conceptualised to explore the life experiences of adolescent sex offenders with the aim of obtaining insight into factors that contributed to their sexually offensive behaviour, especially those factors within the context of the family. The study was approached from an ecosystemic perspective to probe circumstances within and outside the family that may have had an impact on the functioning of the family. The research was characterised by qualitative research methodology. A predominant feature that emerged in the study was the exposure of the adolescent to abusive situations. However, this was not the only contributory factor to sexual offending and had to be seen in the context of the adolescents' ability to cope with the abuse. The characteristics of the individual and familial factors were identified. The study reflected the complex and compelling situations of the adolescent offender. The process of data collation was a comprehensive, intensive process. The sensitivity of the issue required the development of a trusting, long-term relationship to ensure the gradual disclosure of intimate information about the self and family. Data was obtained through 25 case studies, all of which were male, as male sexual offenders constitute the dominant population at Childline Family Centre, KwaZulu-Natal. The adolescent, family members and other referral sources of information were interviewed to compile the in-depth and rich information obtained in the analysis. The therapeutic group, which all the adolescent offenders were involved in, was also used as a context for data gathering. Data were thus obtained over an extended period of time. The QSR NUD*IST software programme was used as a tool to analyse the large quantity of data that the interviews yielded. It is based upon these insights that recommendations were made for the way forward. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

This qualitative study explored the process of recovery from alcoholism as experienced by individuals who recovered from alcoholism without formal treatment or intervention. This study sought to reveal those factors that initiated recovery and those that maintained and supported it, including some of the strategies and skills used by respondents in self-resolution of their alcoholism. Limitations of the study are discussed, as are the requirements for future studies of natural recovery. It is hoped that understanding some of the natural processes involved in recovery from alcoholism may lead to developing more informed and creative treatment approaches which will harness the strengths, knowledges and abilities of individuals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants and their families across a broad range of age, gender, race and socio-economic status. Participants were selected from those individuals who responded to an article in the daily newspapers in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. South Africa and who fitted the criteria of being alcoholics who had achieved two or more years of sobriety without formal treatment. This study seemed to indicate that natural recovery was the preferred choice of some individuals struggling with an alcohol problem. This choice appeared to have been made because of negative associations with and perceptions of treatment, combined with a belief in the individual's ability to solve their own problems. Reasons for stopping varied, but seemed to be underpinned by a process of cognitive self-evaluation that precipitated abstinence. Maintenance of sobriety was achieved by a variety of skill s, strategies and processes that corresponded, in the main, with similar international studies. There appears to be a strong relationship with spirituality in all stages of the natural recovery process. Finally. it appeared that individuals who possess a variety of personal and social resources appeared to be best suited to and equipped for the natural recovery process, although some exceptions were noted. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1961.

The focus of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and to examine the sexual attitudes and behaviour of adolescents with learning difficulties/disabilities. The sample was obtained from a secondary school in Chatsworth that caters for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities. The study used quantitative methods of data collection . Sixty adolescents with learning disabilities completed questionnaires. The findings indicate that adolescents with learning difficulties/disabilities have good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and subsequently the majority is not engaging in sexual activity. The findings can be used to inform future research on adolescents with learning difficulties/disabilities, as well as to inform future intervention strategies. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Many children are affected by the loss of a parent. In South Africa this is exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Therefore the Durban Children's Home responded by developing a Bereavement Programme for children who lost a loved one through death and where in its care. Hence this study was conducted at the Durban Children's Home which is a residential care facility for children in Kwazulu-Natal. The Bereavement Programme offered to adolescents at this facility was evaluated. The main aim of the research was to assess the implementation of the Bereavement Programme and to determine whether the Bereavement Programme was useful in helping children cope with grief. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. McKendrick's (1989) model and Marsden, Oakley and Pratt's (1994) model of evaluating programmes provided the framework for this study. The process entailed administering questionnaires to a purposive sample of 18 children between the ages of twelve and seventeen years who have experienced the death of a loved one and who have attended the Bereavement Programme offered at Durban Children's Home. Twelve children also attended the focus group. Data that was collected from the specialised child care workers, child care workers, a focus group with the children as well formal reports of the Bereavement Programme triangulated information, thereby enhancing the trustworthiness of the study. Information on the adolescents' background was also gathered to reflect the complexity of the children's experiences. The findings of the study indicated that the Bereavement Programme was beneficial in meeting the needs of grieving children within a controlled therapeutic environment. The findings also suggested that the Bereavement Programme had a healing effect on children hence, helping them to gain closure as well as improve their behaviour and academic performance. The findings further pointed to the Programme being cost effective for Durban Children's Home. Further to this the study showed that interventions on a Microsystems level and mesosystems level were effective in meeting the needs of children who needed to grieve. Emanating from the findings, recommendations have revolved around enhancing the therapeutic component of the Bereavement Programme, ways of making the Programme more inclusive for sick children and increasing the support and training for staff implementing the Programme. Recommendations were also made in respect of funding, monitoring and evaluation and replication of the Bereavement Programme. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Abdool Karim (Daily News, 02 December 2009) aptly states that one of the daunting social development challenges facing our young democracy in South Africa is the HIV and AIDS pandemic which has seriously impacted on the increase of HIV infected children. The study explored the experiences of social workers in the provision of reconstruction services to HIV infected children. This research study used a qualitative descriptive methodology. There were two sample groups: one consisted of five social workers from five institutions and the second consisted of six social workers from two child welfare organizations. Data was collected by means of semi-structured in- depth interviews with the institutional social workers. One focus group was held with child welfare social workers for the purpose of enhancing the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Globalization has had a substantial impact on social work services which has been further articulated through ‘new managerialism’, whereby welfare states are becoming cost effective businesses (Dominelli, 2002). Both welfare agencies and social workers pursuant to “new managerialism” have to justify their existence on a day to day basis due to the market principles that have been applied to the profession; it has to be ‘economically sound’ to be a social worker and to continue to be employed. The findings show that there were five key themes and various sub-themes that emerged from the in-depth interviews and the focus group interviews that posed as challenges for social workers. The lack of resources, high staff turnover, the recruitment of foster families emerged as factors that contributed to the challenges experienced by both institutional and child welfare social workers. Despite the many constraints placed on social workers several initiatives have been taken by institutional and child welfare social workers in the implementation of various services and programmes provided to families, communities and children infected or affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. In the face of “new managerialism” it is recommended that social workers need to accept that structural forces such as the economy, political, poverty and unemployment have a profound impact on organizations therefore it is necessary for social workers to advocate and lobby for adequate resources such as vehicles, access to telephones and computers and regular supervision, in the provision of reconstruction services. Furthermore social workers must have an updated knowledge regarding relevant policies and legislation that impact service delivery. The Department of Social Development should work in collaboration with the Department of Health and Education so that efforts could be made to ensure that HIV infected children continue with schooling, thereby developing them into more independent individuals. Finally an additional subsidy should be provided by the National Department of Social Development to institutions for services to accommodate family and prospective foster parents who stay over at institutions. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.