Thursday 12 December 2013

Principles of Social Welfare Administration

Principles of Social Welfare Administration
Acceptance: Leaders and staff members are encouraged to accept one another and to act
accordingly. This does not rule out criticism and evaluation and suggestions for improvement but
does mean that all staff members feel a basic security as individuals, with rights as well as
responsibilities.
Democratic involvement in formulation of agency polices and procedures: This implies
participative management to perform better.
Open communication: This indicates sharing of ideas and feelings within the agency; acting
and reacting with honesty and integrity.
Principles as explained by Trecker
1. The Principle of Social Work Values: The values of the profession are the foundation
upon which services are developed and made available to persons who need them.
2. The Principle of community and client needs: The need of the community and the
individuals within it are always the basis for the existence of social agencies and the provision
of programs.
3. The Principle of agency purpose: The social purpose of the agency must be clearly
formulated, stated, understood and utilized.
4. The Principle of cultural setting: The culture of the community must be understood in as
much as it influences the way needs are expressed and the way services are authorized,
supported, and utilized by the people who need them.
5. The Principle of purposeful relationship: Effective purposeful working relationship must
be established between the administrator, the board, the staff and the constituency.
6. The Principle of agency totality: The agency must be understood in its totality and
wholeness.
7. The Principle of professional responsibility: The administrator is responsible for the
provision of high quality professional services based on standards of professional practice.
8. The Principle of participation: Appropriate contributions of board, staff and constituency
are sought and utilized through the continuous process of dynamic participation.
9. The Principle of Communication: Open channels of communication are essential to the
complete functioning of people.
10. The Principle of leadership: The administrator must carry major responsibility for the
leadership of the agency in terms of goal attainment and the provision of professional
services.
11. The Principle of planning: The Process of continuous planning is fundamental to the
development of meaningful services.
Social Welfare / work administration has much in common with administration in
business and Government. It also has distinguishing characters.
Purpose: To meet the recognized needs of the community
Nature of Services:
Restoration of impaired social functioning, Provision of resources for more effective social
functioning.
Prevention of social dysfunctioning.
Representation: Committee/Board generally represents the community
Values: Avoiding using disproportionate amount of their resources for survival.
Social Welfare Administration. Administrative Arrangements for Social Welfare in India
12. The Principle of organization: The work of many people must be arranged in an
organized manner and must be structured so that responsibilities and relationships are clearly
defined.
13. The Principle of delegation: The Delegation of responsibility and authority to other
professional persons is essential
14. The Principle of co-ordination: The work delegated to many people must be properly
coordinated.
15. The Principle of resource utilization: the resources of money facilities and personnel
must be carefully fostered, conserved and utilized in keeping with the trust granted to the
agency by society.
16. The Principle of change: The Process of change is continuous, both within the community
and within the agency.
17. The Principle of evaluation: Continuous evaluation of processes and programs is essential
to the fulfillment of the agency’s objectives.
18. The Principle of growth: The growth and development of all participants is furthered by
the administrator who provides challenging work assignments, thoughtful supervision, and
opportunities for individual and group learning.
These Principles can be grouped as follows for the sake of understanding.

Principles related to
Professional values-
Social work values
community & Client Needs
Cultural setting
Purposeful relationship
Professional responsibility
Participation
Evaluation

Principles related to
Administrative function-
Agency purpose
Planning
Organization
Delegation
co-ordination
Resource utilization
Leadership

General Principles-
Agency totality
Change
Growth

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