Social Work - Organization and Conditions

Within the framework of the organizations, activities and institutions in which the social worker acts a number of different preconditions and premises exist. These varied organizational conditions are bound to influence as well the individual social worker and the work unit as the ability of the organization to work on a knowledge and evidence-based ground in relation to its clients . This is the case on an individual level and on a group- and societal level. The research aiming to study such a complex and often elusive area, should consequently make use of different methodical and epistemological starting points, according to which organizations, activities or institutions are to be studied.

The research group is therefore characterized by the adaptation of different types of strategies of method and research - a so called multi strategic research approach - when data are collected and processed. The purpose of the group is to examine under which preconditions and on which premises as an organization, or activity, functions, how these conditions influence the possibilities of the professionals in their occupational practice within the organization and, when it is the case, influence the clients. This means that a primary question for the research group is how and in which way this work is organized (e.g. the framework, rules, strategies for development of skills, actual resources), is lead  (the leadership and its strategies) and is executed (aspects of quality, characteristics of the work force, occupational and professional premises). These conditions greatly influence the professionals as well as the clients and the entire society. 

Since the research group focuses organizational conditions in a broad sense the different areas that are studied mirror a broad range of diversity. For example, members of the research group study organizations and institutions at various levels i.e. at individual, group, institutional, organizational and societal levels.

Some of the core research areas are
• Correctional institutions for adults and young people
• Community work, mobilization and power
• The conditions of the National Social Services concerning power, gender and ethnicity