196-012 Organisational Contexts of Practice

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work course.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Drawing upon the broad body of organisational theory, this subject examines organisations as contexts, vehicles and targets for social work interventions. Particular attention is paid to different organisational forms in the human services; the organisational environment and inter-organisational relations; organisational cultures; structures and processes of governance and working arrangements; and organisational change. Social issues for service users and front-line workers will be addressed. On completion of the subject students should demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between organisation, management and practice in human service organisations; and understand the concept of organisational culture, both in its formation and in relation to cultural change.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words. Attendance at a minimum of 75% of tutorials is a hurdle requirement for this subject.

Prescribed Texts

• A Jones & J May, Working in Human Service Organisations: A Critical Introduction. Longman Cheshire, 1992.