The Professionalisation of Social Work? A Case Study of Three Organisational Settings

Abstract

This case study of social workers employed in three organisations suggests that conflict and tension arising from specific bureaucratic requirements combined with professional workers' claims for autonomy are not the invariable or inevitable outcome of organisational employment. Indeed, by defining spheres of competence and exclusive jurisdiction, organisational guide-lines protect social workers from encroachment by, and competition with members of other professions. This thereby strengthens the position and increases the legitimacy of social work within an organisation. In addition, social workers depend upon complex organisations for essential resources including employment opportunities and clients thereby contributing to professional-organisational interdependence and integration.