Human Services Management : Organizational Leadership in Social Work Practice

This text is intended to assist participants in human service organizations in developing an understanding of the dynamics that shape such organizations. Human services management occurs within the nonprofit sector, the public (or governmental) sector and the for-profit sector. It involves a wide variety of organizational structures that are used to produce services that directly affect the quality of life of individuals, families and communities across the fields of social welfare services, health and mental services, law enforcement and criminal justice and educational services. Managers in human service organizations are simultaneously responsible for the quality of services provided for individuals and families, for ensuring that such services benefit communities and the general public, and for providing the maintenance and development of the service organization. The text begins with an examination of the historical development and distinctive characteristics of human service organizations, the variety of organizational and programme structures found among such organizations and the connection of individual service organizations with service delivery networks. The central selection of the book deals with key stakeholder constituencies, including service users, service personnel (especially service professionals), funders, executives and policy boards. The final two chapters deal with two organizational processes: accountability for effectiveness and dealing with organizational changes.