Cultural control within the virtual organization

New forms of information technology, together with recent developments in management theory and practice, have resulted in considerable debate concerning the social and technical implications of the emergent form of computer-dependent virtual organization. This paper identifies and reviews some theoretical developments central to the critical analysis of the use of combined computer-based systems and quality management applications. While the advocates of these trends propose that the emergent organizational configurations provide employees with the opportunity for participation in decision-making, resulting in ‘empowerment’ and the possibility of personal fulfilment, here it is argued that the virtual organization may result in a progressive formalisation of social relationships which will erode the meaning of true employee participation. It is suggested that the combination of networked computer-based systems and the psychological techniques which underpin the quality management methodologies, do not replace the technologies of control identifiable in the principles of scientific management and Fordism. Instead they provide an enhanced, more insidious form of technical and cultural control designed to engage the acquiescence of employees in order to maintain the efficiency of the organization.     

Social work in rural areas: a personal and professional challenge

Australians live in diverse areas, city and country, coast and hinterland, desert and rainforest, urban and remote areas. While much social work practice is located in large population centres, the problem of providing a social work service in rural and remote areas is a challenging one. This article examines some of the issues for rural social workers practicing where networks are small and multilayered, anonymity, privacy and safety for the social worker cannot be guaranteed, and a broad range of knowledge and skills are demanded. As a profession, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of delivering an ethical, responsive and appropriate service in rural areas. For rural social workers, this challenge impacts in both their professional and personal roles.     

Editorial: Speaking in Tongues—Diversity in Mixed Methods Research

Pre‐testing is a standard tool to increase appropriateness and to capture the audience, yet rarely is this technique employed for population surveys. This study aimed to examine parental views on the content and methodology of a population child health survey. Forty‐eight Australian families of children aged 0–12 years were interviewed about the content and proposed data collection methods of the draft Victorian Population Survey of Child Health and Wellbeing. Concerns with instructions and items of several commonly used child health measures were identified. Parents preferred face‐to‐face methods rather than telephone interviews due to survey legitimacy; however, 72% of parents indicated that they would participate in a telephone survey. This study provided new findings about respondent views on child health measures and the conditions under which CATI versus face‐to‐face methods for child health data collection methods would be acceptable.     

Not Just Social Work Academics: The Involvement of Others in the Assessment of Social Work Students

University regulations typically assume that the assessment of students is essentially a task for paid academic staff. However, this is a far cry from much of the current literature about assessment in social work education, of which one of the distinguishing features is the not infrequent references to stakeholders beyond the individuals who are to be assessed and the academic staff employed to teach them. This paper reviews some of the recent literature on the involvement of persons other than social work academics, including students, practice teachers and service users, in assessing students studying in social work programmes. Implications for programme providers of using non‐academic assessors are explored.     

Building Indigenous Australian Social Work

Abstract

An Indigenous social work guided by Indigenous Australians’ participation and experience that has, at its heart, human rights and social justice is in its infancy in Australia. The present paper continues a discussion on Indigenous Australian social work theory and practice developments being generated by those working in this field. Aspects of this “praxis” include recognition of the effects of invasion, colonialism, and paternalistic social policies upon social work practice with Indigenous communities; recognition of the importance of self-determination; contemporary Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues working in partnership; the impact of contemporary racist and neocolonialist values; and rethinking contemporary social work values and practices. There is discussion of appropriation and reinterpretation of social work concepts, incorporation of international and local Indigenous theory, and the framing of social work by Indigenous Australians’ views and values.     

Register of research in social work

Abstract

Child Support A Practitioner'S Guide Jan Bowen (1994), Law Book Co., North Ryde, 293 pp. $ 45.00 (paper)

The Independent Social Security Handbook, Welfare Rights Centre (1994), Pluto Press, Leichhardt, 575 pp. $ 29.95 (paper)

Cultures Of Crime And Violence: The Australian Experience Bessant, J. Carrington, K. and Cook, S. (eds.), La Trobe University Press, in association with the Victorian Law Foundation, Melbourne. 221 pp. $ 24.95 (paper) Australia.

Leaving The Fold: A Guide For Former Fundamentalists And Others Leaving Their Religion M. Winell (1993) New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Oakland, CA. 297pp. $ 22.95 (paper) (Available direct from the distributor Boobook Publications, PO Box 163, Tea Gardens NSW 2324, phone (049) 970 811 or through all good bookshops.) Reriatha Reed Social Work Student La Trobe University Albury/Wodonga Campus