...OVERVIEW OF THEORIES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR & THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT APPLICATIONS TO SOCIAL WORK GENERALIST PRACTICE The following is a very general outline summarizing the theories covered in the NCSSS foundation classes of SSS 571: Human Behavior & the Social Environment. Theory application & integration with practice are demonstrated. This outline is only a summary of highlights; all theorists, ideas, and concepts are not included. Because human behavior is complex and the social work profession is broad, numerous theories are utilized for social work practice at the micro-meso-macro levels. These theories focus on human growth and development, psychological and social functioning, and social service delivery. Some theories emphasize social and economic justice. All theories are value-laden and come out of a socio-historical context. Thus, all theories should be critiqued with attention paid to their cross-cultural applicability. DEFINITIONS: Theory—interrelated sets of concepts and propositions, organized into a deductive system to explain relationships about certain aspects of the world (e.g., the theories listed below). Perspective—an emphasis or point of view; concepts at an earlier level of development (e.g., a “strengths perspective”) or at a broader and higher level of abstraction (ex: a “humanistic perspective” or a “developmental perspective”) Paradigm—an archetype or mode of thought; a general way of seeing the world (e.g., “modernism” or “post-modernism”) Practice...
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...Research has been done to measure the different psychometric properties of the URICA scale. A significant amount of the research measured internal reliability, concurrent, factorial and convergent reliability. More than ten studies result proven that the scale is useful in measuring the different stages of change with male and female prisoners. More specifically, the Columbia University School of Social Work investigated the psychometric properties and utility of the URICA in a sample of 257 female inmates from a large urban prison. The study addressed their major issues: whether the URICA would be useful for assessing stages of change in drug-using female offenders, whether distinct, reliable subgroup profiles would emerge from a cluster analysis...
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...MARKETING MANAGEMENT TOPIC 1 1. What is marketing? American Marketing Association: “Marketing is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders”. Value: perceived tangible and intangible benefits and costs to customers Marketing is the art and science of choosing target markets and getting, keeping, growing customers through creating, delivering and communicating superior customer value. Target market: markets being aimed at Marketing is a societal process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating, offering and freely exchanging products and services of values with others Need: basic human requirements: food, air, water, clothing and shelter to survive. Strong need: recreation, education, entertainment. Wants: Needs directed to specific objects that might satisfy the need Demand: Needs backed by an ability to pay COMPANY ORIENTATION * Production concept * Product concept * Selling concept * Marketing concept * Holistic marketing concept + Internal marketing + Socially responsible marketing + Relationship marketing + Integrated marketing Marketing mix PRODUCT | PRICE | PLACE | PROMOTION | ProductVariety Quality DesignFeaturesBrand namePackagingServices | PriceList priceDiscountsAllowancesPayment periodsCredit terms | PlaceChannelsCoverageLocationsInventoryTransport...
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...Structure Family structure is defined by the role and the relationship between the individuals of the family (Goldenberg & Goldenberg 2008). It differs from one family to another depending on how the household is set up. Assessing a family and knowing its structure is acknowledged to be the fundamental base of data collection (Goldenberg & Goldenberg 2008). In order to understand a family’s structure and how its members interact with one another, the therapist will need to assist the family using different methods. One way to assist a family is to interview its members, whether separately to avoid anxiety or together as a family (Wager, 2008). Another important method the therapist should use is genogram (Wager, 2008). A genogram is the family window through time and generations. Using genograms allows the therapist to study the history and the background of the family (Bowen, 1966). Genograms also highlight and show the relationship the current family has with their previous generations (Bowen, 1966). Genogram data is collected through different symbols which represent different relationship between the family members; it usually includes three generations (Bowen, 1966). Joachim’s family needed some assistance with their family situation they are currently going through. To be able to assist the family, a genogram has been used to highlight the relationships all family members share between one another (see appendix A). As shown in the...
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...Family Name Institution Introduction In all societies, family is the primary institution where there are adult intimate relationships, socialization of children, economic support, and collaboration. Sociologists study family. They have assessing role for predicting family-based social patterns, describing and explaining families. It is an important unit in society and has an essential role in fulfilling the physical and emotional needs of individuals. Problem Statement The family is a vital and natural part of the fundamentals of a healthy society. There are two important structures of the family, nuclear family that is made up of mother, father and children and extended family which consists of a nuclear family, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. This study discusses the role of the family in the society. Discussion One of the important roles is to demonstrate the much-needed love between wife and husband. This relationship is to perfect Jesus Christ’s way of love by loving, nourishing and cherishing each other as the best treasurable thing in their lives (Erik and Elena, 2012). If we apply this principle then the society would drastically change for the better providing people happiness as each generation shadows in the ways of the previous one. In addition, the family has a role or function of adding new family members either through adoption or procreation. Children born expand families and strengthen and renew the society. It continues the family line. Besides...
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...Unit Title | Social Work Futures in a Global Contexts | Unit Number | U22080-12YR | Unit Coordinator | Chris Penney and Annabel Tremlett | Description of work | Formative assignment | Word Count | 550 | Student Number (s) | 488901, 486768 | Date Submitted | 9th November | An Innovative Approach to Social Work Introduction The ‘ecological systems theory’ has been adapted to Children Services in New South Wales, Australia, as an approach to understanding the child in their context , which could be used to define a person’s behaviour in later life. This theory looks at how the child’s environment has an effect on their growth and development, providing a basis for how professionals can intervene in early years to support the child and family (Garbarino 1990, NICHD, 2000) (“Practice Grounded in Theory”, 2008). The model contrasts internal, individual or biological factors with external, social, environmental and relational factors (Wong and Cumming, 2008), implementing a holistic approach to the intervention. It combines the individual, the family and the community in underpinning issues that have contributed to the child’s development. For example, examining the child’s social factors could involve liaising with the school, the home, and other agencies, gaining an understanding of the whole situation. History of the ecological system This approach was evolved by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979 which looks at the different systems which could influence...
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...The key skill and knowledge statement (KSS) encourages practitioners to understand psychological and sociological development theory throughout the life course. Practitioner are required to take into consideration ‘typical age-related physical, cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural development over time, accepting that normative developmental tasks are different for each individual depending on the interaction for: health, environmental and genetic factors. Assess the influence of cultural and social factors on child development, the effect of different parenting styles, and the effect of loss, change and uncertainty in the development of resilience’ (Department of Education, 2014 p4). The family observation has been an opportunity to identify the theories that I could like to each observation. Munro’s review of child protection also supported the notion that practitioners should understand child development (Department of Education, 2011). Observation skill allow social work practitioners to understand the non-verbal communication. Providing an opportunity to develop hypotheses what is happening, why, and to establish if our perception against what others believe (Trevithick, 2012). In accordance with the Key Skills and Knowledge this statement encourages practitioners to have multiple hypothesis and differentiating...
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...Structural Family Therapy Janea Taylor St. Edward’s University July 22, 2014 CNCO 6364.01 Professor Michael S. Bishop, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, PA Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to examine the theory upon which Structural Family Therapy is based. The history and construct of the theory, as well as a description of the techniques used while practicing this particular theory in application are discussed. An evaluation and critique are also provided, in addition to an overall summary of what was learned in the process of researching Structural Family Therapy. Keywords: structural family therapy, structural family theory, family systems Structural Family Therapy Historical Overview Structural Family Therapy (SFT) was created based on a theory developed by Salvador Minuchin which focuses on functioning within a family system (Nichols, 2014). Minuchin was born and raised Jewish in Argentina prior to moving to Israel where he became a physician. During the early 1960’s, he worked with at-risk youth within underprivileged sectors of society and poor families. As a result of his work with minority groups, Structural Family Therapy is one of the only theories with a sense of multi-culturalism. In 1967, Minuchin wrote a book entitled Families of the Slums which described his experiences with these families. While he was trained in psychodynamic techniques, he opted to take a different approach in working with this population by focusing on sociological...
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...Assessment of the Three Culturally Diverse Families Olga Kormuskina Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V December 21, 2014 Heritage Assessment of the Three Culturally Diverse Families To deliver high quality health care services to an increasingly diverse population, it is vital to be culturally competent. This approach is especially applicable in the United States where a big part of the population consists of immigrants coming from all over the world (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014). This is where the Heritage Assessment Tool (HAT) becomes very appropriate. It helps when assessing one’s ethnic, religious, and cultural heritage along with health traditions. By evaluating heritage assessment questionnaire, healthcare providers can cultivate a therapeutic relationship and approach in care. The following paper will discuss the usefulness of applying the HAT when evaluating three culturally diverse families. The Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and European White Origin Americans will be compared to identify the differences in health maintenance, health protection, and health restoration. Lastly, common health traditions and practices will be discussed. HAT delivers an informative approach that helps to identify the best care that can be provided to culturally diverse populations. It consists of 29 questions that are focused on identifying a patient’s cultural background, family relations, religious practices, and beliefs along with social support. It helps to highly increase...
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...Families as Negotiators Tamiko Dawkins USC Human Behavior and Development SOWK 503 Sherry Blair February 6, 2014 Families as Negotiators As I read this article the main points the author were trying to make were psychological resilience on both the individual and family level. As a little girl growing up being raised by my grandmother who was a widow with seven children of her own, I can definitely see how my personality was affected by my environment. Resilience is defined as the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens or the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc. (Merriam-Webster, 2013). I can remember difficult times in my life where my reputation was on the line because of things I had done or poor choices I made, however because of how I was raised I was able to overcome. As a little girl I found myself in many distressed situations because of family dynamics and because of all that I am the woman I am today. Psychological resilience on the individual level relates to an individual’s tendency to cope with stress and adversity. Resilience is most commonly understood as a process, and not a trait of an individual. Most research now shows that resilience is the result of individuals being able to interact with their environments and the processes that either promote well-being or protect them against the overwhelming influences or risk factors (Zautra...
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...Most people who grew up in the early 1950s have numerous memories of living in a pleasant and welcoming neighborhood. As children, they had social interaction with others and a sense of community with their neighbors. When becoming parents themselves, their neighborhoods were perceived as safe and they automatically looked out for one another. Neighborhood satisfaction is measured by a respondent’s answer to the question: “on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the neighborhood as a place to live?” Even though the statistics and profiles may not always be accurate, every neighborhood has its own diverse look, feel, and character. Finding the right neighborhood is a huge factor in determining the success of a major move. Because we all have different needs, tastes and lifestyles, there is no “best neighborhood.” One person’s paradise might be another’s dungeon. Creating compatibility between buildings, street, and neighborhood through architectural elements add scale and character. The geography of the neighborhood provides a framework within which the physical features, such as the quality of housing and the presence or absence of basic resources, including hospitals, markets, and reliable public transportation. The community tends to become the focal point for its residents, businesses and its visitors. Keeping in mind every neighborhood does not have the same opportunities as the next. Community development is a skilled process that enables a neighborhood to grow and change...
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...Importance of Achieving Pay Equity Table Of Contents What is Equity in Organizations? 4 The Equity Theory 4 Inputs 5 Outcomes 6 Importance of Equity in Pay Structure 7 Internal Equity 9 Steps to Achieving Internal Equity 9 Methods Commonly Used 9 Job analysis 9 Job Evaluation 11 Ranking Method 12 Classification Method 13 Factor Comparison Method 13 Point Method of Job Evaluation 14 Strategic Considerations 15 External Equity 16 Steps to Achieving External Equity 16 Compensation Surveys 16 Benefits of Pay Surveys to the Organization 17 Published Compensation Survey 18 Custom Developed Compensation Surveys 19 Compensation Surveys: Strategic Considerations 19 Individual Equity 21 Importance of achieving Individual Equity 21 Methods Commonly Used 22 Merit Pay System Structures 22 Sales Incentive Pay Structures 23 Pay For Knowledge Structures 24 Pay Structure Variations 24 Strategic Considerations 26 Analysis 27 References 28 What is Equity[1] in Organizations? Equity Theory attempts to explain relational satisfaction in terms of perceptions of fair/unfair distributions of resources within interpersonal relationships. Equity theory is considered as one of the justice theories, It was first developed in 1962 by John Stacey Adams, a workplace and behavioral psychologist, who asserted that employees seek to maintain equity between the inputs that they bring to...
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...QUESTION 1. The actions, reactions and interactions of people that constitute organizational behavior are influenced by factors. Critically evaluate five such factors. FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR. INTRODUCTION. Organizational behavior is a misnomer, it is not the study of how organizations behave, but rather the study of individual behavior in an organizational setting. This includes the study of how individuals behave on their own as well as how they behave in groups. The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence group and individual dynamics in an organizational setting so that the individuals and the groups and the organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. This field also includes the analysis of organizational factors that may have an influence upon individual and group behavior. There are several internal as well as external factors affecting employee behavior. Below is a critical evaluation of five such factors: Leadership Generally, leadership is the ability of a superior to influence the behavior of his subordinates to strive willingly towards achievement of set goals and objectives. Due to the involving nature of leadership as regards reconciliation of organizational goals and individual goals, Managers and leaders play an important role in influencing the behavior of individuals at workplace. It is the responsibility of leaders to set a direction...
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...school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community”. (GCU,2012 ISLLC pg. 18) Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standard three specifies that “a school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment”. (GCU,2012 ISLLC pg.18) These standards and their functions set the foundation for developing a strategic plan. Planning involves a base for monitoring that is in progress, along with assessing results and the impact these will have on education. This enables stakeholders to have an idea of how to facilitate a new program by utilizing a systemic approach. Stakeholders will also be able to set policies and goals...
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...PYC 4802 – ASSIGNMENT 02 UNISA malissahulme@gmail.com 4271-896-1 [Type the fax number] 5/14/2012 MALISSA HULME I will discuss the problems related to assessing and classifying / diagnosing 16 to 20 year olds with patterns of impulsivity, instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affect. Contents Introduction 2 DSM-IV Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder 2 Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorders 4 Instruments Available for the Assessment/Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder 5 Problems Related to Assessing and Classifying/Diagnosing 16-20 Year Olds 5 Conclusion 8 Bibliography 9 Introduction I will discuss the problems related to assessing and classifying / diagnosing 16 to 20 year olds with patterns of impulsivity, instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affect. These criteria are directed toward a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (here forth referred to as the DSM-IV-TR) personalities are defined as enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself. Personality traits are prominent aspects of personality that are exhibited in a wide range of important social and personal contexts. Only when personality traits are inflexible and maladaptive and cause either significant functional impairment or subjective distress do they constitute a Personality Disorder.(Association, 2000) The...
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