Structuration processes of client-oriented and system-oriented social work practice: the view point of client documentation

Abstract

Social work practice and related documentation are being challenged by the consumerist-managerialist discourse, which simultaneously emphasizes the aims of a client orientation and the demand for economical and efficient activity that reflects a system orientation. This article explores the structuration processes of social work practice in the context of case-based social work with disabled people in Finland. The theoretical framework is provided by Anthony Giddens' structuration theory. By applying qualitative multiple case study research and analysing client documents from seven individual cases, two combined cases are reconstructed: a client-oriented case and a systemoriented case. Based on the analysis, the prevailing structure of social work practice is structured between the two dimensions, reflecting intersections of client orientation and system orientation. The findings show, that structuration of client-oriented social work practice throughout a case requires social work to increase its critical consciousness and reflection on the client's need in addition to have various resources. The structuration of client-oriented social work practice should also be visible in client documents. The article concludes that every encounter between organizational structures, the social worker and the client represents a new opportunity to structure clientoriented social work practice.

Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) for Financial Capability: Application of Practice-Based Program Theory and Measures in Intervention Design

“…PSS can be viewed as a core bridge practice theory to understand the individualized “financial capability process” toward a manageable financial capability outcome—both at the ability and access levels. The capability process found in the bottom-up, inside-out PSS theory may seem individualistic on the surface (how one moves from perceived barriers to hope) (Hong, 2013), but it taps into the structuration processes of client-oriented and system-oriented social work practice (Kivistö & Hautala, 2020). System reaction and accommodation to individual empowerment will result in lasting financial inclusion that provides and win-win solution for all actors.…”