An Empowerment Narrative Leadership Program for a Disadvantaged Community

Abstract

Purpose: This research is providing social workers with a deeper insight into the process of empowering people from disadvantaged communities with leadership abilities by applying a narrative approach in group work and to develop members’ individual potential within their social construction of leaders and leadership. Method: This research was undertaken following the developmental and utilization model of Grinnell with a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. The research was performed from a postmodern and social constructivist paradigm and therefore relied more on the qualitative research perspective. Results: The research includes guidelines for a group work narrative leadership program. The impact of the social constructionist approach on the group members re-authors their narratives. Conclusions: Group work by means of the narrative approach in social work is recommended because it has become evident from this study that a richer description of the lives of people can be gained.