Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Organisational Contexts

• Unit Code

  SWK3110

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit locates human service organisations and their workers within the broad context of the state. Students will consider how the policies of government influence the structure, purpose and practices of the organisations in which social workers are likely to be employed. Students consider the various perspectives from which organisations can be understood with a view to developing their understanding of an organisation's target group, goals, structure and culture. Students are introduced to principles, skills and strategies for working in human service organisations.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the functions and characteristics of human service organisations from different ideological perspectives.
2. Explain the impact of different organisational structures, management styles and locations (with a focus on regional, rural and remote communities) on social work practice.
3. Identify the ways in which human services are delivered through policies, programs and organisations.
4. Understand and explain the development of the welfare state.
5. Understand how to practice effectively within organisational settings.

Unit Content

1. Approaches to analysing human service organisations.
2. Discourses in the delivery of human services: professional, market, managerial and community.
3. The auspice of human service work and current issues and prospects for human service organisations.
4. The changing nature of the state and state sponsored responses to human need in Australia.
5. Working ethically and effectively in contested environments and multidisciplinary teams with reference to the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
6. Working proactively within organisations.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Interactive lectures, tutorials and readings, online learning, group work, group discussion, group wikis and role play.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ McDonald, C., Craik, C., Hawkins, L., & Williams, J. (2011). Professional practice in human service organisations. Crows Nest, Australia: Allen & Unwin.
• Alvesson, M. (2002). Understanding organizational culture. London: Sage.
• Chui, W.H. & Wilson, J. (2006). Social work and human services best practice. Annandale: Federation.
• Coulshed, V. & Mullender, A. (2006). Management in social work. (3rd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Fowler, J., Gudmundsson, A. & Whicker, L. (2006). Groups work!: A guide for working groups. Bowen Hills, Qld: Australian Academic Press.
• Gardner, F. (2006). Working with human service organisations: Creating connections for practice. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press
• Grambrill, E. (2006). Social work practice: A critical thinker's guide. (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
• Hughes, M. & Wearing, M. (2007). Organisations and management in social work. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
• Ife, J. (1997). Rethinking social work: Towards critical practice. Sth Melbourne, Vic: Longman.
• Jones, A. & May, J. (1992). Working in human service organisations; A critical introduction. South Melbourne: Longman.
• McDonald, C. (2006). Challenging social work: The institutional context of practice. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Powell, G. & Graves, L. (2003). Women and men in management. (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
• Robbins, S. & Barnwell, N. (2006). Organisation theory: Concepts and cases. (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.

Journal References

• Australian Journal of Social Issues
• Australian Social Work
• British Journal of Social Work
• Organization Science

^ Mandatory reference

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