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)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/24873 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | Gunda, Edison |
| Contributors | Bhuda, G.B., Sekudu, J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (ix, 225 pages) : color illustrations |
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