| Abstract: | Summary The contribution of general system theory to the understandingof social work method in a generic situation is considered.An account of general system theory is given indicating howhuman systems differ from other systems, taking their placein a larger continuum. The implications of the theory for socialwork are then examined with special reference to four levels.First there is the philosophical level, the view it presentsof man and society, as compared with other psychological andsociological theories. Secondly its contribution to the perspectiveof social workers, making them aware of the range of systemsthey should be considering. Thirdly its contribution to practicein providing a model of the structure of systems as a guideto appraisal and intervention. In this connection the modelis related to Lippitt's ‘diagnostic orientations’.Fourthly its contribution to the understanding of social workprocess is examined. In the conclusion it is suggested thatit is the contribution to the third level that justifies theexpenditure of effort in absorbing the theory. |
