The perceptions of hospital social workers in Saudi Arabia regarding the organisational factors that impact on their role

The perceptions of ten social workers regarding their practice within the organisational context of Saudi hospitals were examined using semi-structured interviews. A qualitative analysis employing a thematic approach informed by grounded theory was undertaken and produced the two broad interrelated themes – organisational structure and management processes – which highlighted an overarching concern of an 'us and them' division between social workers and management. The discussion shows how solutions to the perceived difficulties of social workers in hospital settings require a consideration of how partnership between practitioners and management personnel may be enhanced.