The Social Worker as Manager: A Practical Guide to Success

The fourth edition of The Social Worker as Manager combines presentation of theory and techniques with practical advice that will help students become successful managers. This text was written for social work students and practictioners who wish to understand the role of manager within human service agencies and who seek practical advice on how to perform effectively in such roles. It discusses those functions and tasks that managers at all levels—from supervisors to executive directors—perform to ensure the attainment of organizational goals. This edition is easy to read, conversational, and contains many new and revised examples, topics, and practical applications throughout.

Table of Contents:
All chapters end with "Summary."I. MANAGEMENT IN PERSPECTIVE. 1. Definitions and Assumptions. If There Were No Management. What Is Management? The Functions of Management. Management as Both a Science and an Art. Management Ethics. Avoiding Misconceptions About Management. The Presence of Management. 2. The Context of Human Services Management. The Task Environment. Comparing Human Service Organizations and Businesses. 3. Historical Origins of Current Management Theories. Scientific Management. Administrative Management. Bureaucratic Management. Responses to Classical Management Theories. II. THE FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT. 4. Influencing by Planning. What Is Planning? The Planning Menu. Types of Planning that Occur Within Human Service Organizations. 5. Creating and Managing Staff Diversity. Issues That Affect Hiring. The Staff Menu. Creating the Best Mix of Staff Types. Other Forms of Diversity in the Workplace. Diversity Among Subordinates. Diversity Among Managers. Another Way of Viewing Diversity. 6. Promoting Work Performance. Understanding Motivation. Classical Theories of Motivation. Other Factors that Affect Motivation. Supporting Growth. Growth Through Supervision. Growth Through Continuing Education. 7. Staff Evaluations and Personnel Actions. Staff Performance Evaluations. Promotions. Progressive Discipline. 8. Organizing Work Activities. Basic Ways of Organizing. The Departmentation Menu. Combining Two or More Methods of Departmentation. Delegation as a Way of Organizing. 9. Controlling Staff Behavior. The Elements of Control. The Basis for Control. The Control Menu. The Ideal Control Package. The Optimum Amount of Control. 10. Leading. The Elements of Leadership. Theories of Leadership. Conceptual Models of Leadership. Other Variables in the Leadership Equation. Creating the Right Organizational Climate. III. COMPLETING THE MANAGEMENT PICTURE. 11. Other Important Management Tasks. Financial Management. Time Management. Change Management. Technology Management. Management of Staff Turnover. Program Evaluation. 12. Becoming an Effective Manager. Common Sources of Stress. Is a Management Career Right for You? Taking the Job. Developing a Management Style. Manager's Needs and Organizational Needs. Becoming a Better Manager. Index.