This work should serve as a sound foundation for students and practitioners as they begin their study of the significance of various groups in social work practice. –Choice Collective problem solving: a powerful and effective means of assessing a situation, determining a course of action, and accomplishing goals. In the realm of social services, this formidable method has been evidenced in the development of task groups; in the textbook arena, it is clearly and definitively presented in Task Groups in the Social Services. Focusing on the role of the social worker, the authors consider such aspects as the recruitment and composition of groups, participation as a team member, group shepherding, and dealing with problem behaviors within the group. Selected problem-solving approaches, including brainstorming, societal judgment analysis, and the Delphi technique, are evaluated in terms of process and outcome. From implementation through achievement, the merits and methods of application for a variety of task groups are assessed. This sophisticated work will be a vital resource for students of social work and social work practitioners alike.
Cuprins
PART ONE: THE NATURE OF TASK GROUPS IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES
The History of Task Groups in the Social Services
The Variety of Task Groups Utilized
PART TWO: THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONER′S ROLE IN TASK GROUPS
Planning, Composing and Recruiting a Task Group
The Professional′s Role on the Social Service Team
The Practitioner′s Responsibilities for the Functioning of Task Groups
Handling Problematic Behaviors of the Task Group, Subgroups and Members
PART THREE: PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNIQUES
The Problem-Solving Process
Small Group Decision-Making Procedures
Large Group Decision-Making Procedures
Methods of Evaluating Composition, Process and Outcome in Task Groups