Overview
Organisations are encountered on a daily basis and shape the lives of people and communities, including service-users, clients and social workers themselves. A variety of human service organisations are located within complex social, political and cultural contexts; these, in turn, provide a vehicle for the implementation of policy and provision of human services by the welfare state. With social work practice predominantly taking place in, and shaped by, organisational context, developing an effective organisational practice is critical to the achievement of the aims and values of the social work profession. In this unit, you will develop knowledge of different organisational theoretical models to facilitate your ability to analyse and creatively consider organisational and system change. You will also develop and apply strategies to promote social and welfare work values of social justice and action the equality of opportunity in the provision of services to clients.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Successful completion of 48 credit points in any course.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from E-mail feedback to the Head of Course
Students did indicate the assignments need to be spaced better throughout the unit
This feedback be acted upon and assessments be better spread throughout the unit.
Feedback from E-mail feedback to the Head of Course
Regular ZOOM sessions be planned from the beginning of the unit
This feedback be acted upon in preparing this unit in 2021 and regular ZOOM sessions be planned from the beginning of the unit.
- Research and analyse organisational theoretical models, within the context of social systems and change, and apply those models to professional practice within human service organisations
- Analyse a variety of organisational types and contexts, and evaluate their strengths and limitations in delivering human service organisation goals and social work outcomes
- Evaluate organisational models for cross-cultural practice, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.
The learning outcomes are aligned with the ASWEAS (2020) guidelines.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online discussion forum - 15% | ||||
| 2 - Report - 35% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Online discussion forum - 15% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Report - 35% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
v.pulla@cqu.edu.au
p.camilleri@cqu.edu.au
j.pascal@cqu.edu.au
s.ledger@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Week 1 Introduction to the unit & organisational practice
What is organisational practice all about in social work?
Lecture will provide a generic overview of organisations as well as outlining the lecture series for the unit.
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 2 Introduction to Organisational Theories
The theory of bureaucracy, scientific management, human relations approach - emergence of theory X and theory Y and human relations contexts; Systems and ecological influences and other approaches
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 3 The organisational environment
How is organisational environment analysis relevant to social work roles?
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 4 Organisational purpose and goals
Organisational goals: banners or guiding principles?
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 5 Organisational Change
What is Organisational Change? Factors that necessity change
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 6 Leadership & decision making
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 7 Organisational Practices
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 8 Organisational culture
Organisational culture: Shared and contested meanings and symbols
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 9 Organisations: Workers & Clients/Service Users
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 8 & 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Case Study Report Due: Week 9 Friday (14 May 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Week 10 Accountability and Participation
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 11 Change and resistance in organisations
Chapter
Suggested text Jones and May Working in human service organisations
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 12 Reflexive and Ethical Organisational Practice
Flexibility, balance and commitment to society and profession as well as organisation, service users and communities - meeting expectations of stakeholders
Chapter
Suggested text - Hughes & Wearing Organisations and Management in Social Work
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Essay Due: Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online discussion forum
Assessment 1 – Online Discussion Forum
Written assessment
Due date: Friday 11:59 10 April 2021 (Fourth Week)
Weighting: 15 %
Length: Total of 750 words
Unit Coordinator: Dr Venkat Pulla
Learning Outcomes Assessed
· Research and analyse organisational theoretical models, within the context of social systems and change, and apply those models to professional practice within human service organisations
· Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to enhance your understanding of human service organisations and how they effect social work practice. Importantly how you as a practitioner able to work effectively within organisations and develop strategies to deal with complex practice issues in the context of an agency setting.
Instructions
This assessment requires you to demonstrate your understanding of an online question that will be posted on Moodle. You will need to make an online forum post in response to this question. Your posting needs to thoughtfully address the question. The posting should provide a brief outline of the information you have gathered, together with your own opinion or viewpoint.
Your post will also need to be uploaded as a word document for Turnitin and marking.
Word Count: 750 words
Literature and references
The readings will be available on the Moodle site
Requirements
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on each page in a header.
· Write in the third-person perspective.
· Use formal academic language.
· Use Harvard referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
· The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Resources
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
· Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Week 4 Friday (2 Apr 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 6 Monday (19 Apr 2021)
| HD (85-100) | D (75-84) | C (65-74) | P (50-64) | F (0-49) | Grade | |
| Postings well researched and considered answers to the online question (40%) | Demonstrates a thorough understanding | Demonstrates a good understanding | Demonstrates an adequate understanding | Demonstrates a limited understanding | Fails to demonstrate an understanding | 25 |
| Synthesis and integration of literature and unit material within the posting (40%) | Consistently integrates up-to-date literature to support and reflect all ideas and factual information | Generally integrates up-to-date literature to support and reflect all ideas and factual information with 1 or 2 exceptions | Generally integrates up-to-date literature to support and reflect all ideas and factual information with 3 or 4 exceptions | Occasionally integrates up-to-date literature to support and reflect all ideas and factual information with 5 or 6 exceptions | Fails of infrequently attempts to integrate up-to-date literature to support and reflect all ideas and factual information | 25 |
| Clear written expression and correct spelling (10%) | Consistently accurate with spelling and grammar | 1-2 errors with spelling and grammar | 3-4 errors with spelling and grammar | 5-6 errors with spelling and grammar | Many consistent errors with spelling and grammar | 25 |
| Adequate and appropriate referencing (10%) | Excellent and appropriate referencing | Very good and appropriate referencing with 1-2 errors | Good referencing with 3-4 errors | Adequate referencing with 5-6 errors | Inadequate and inappropriate referencing | 15 |
| Total |
100 |
- Research and analyse different organisational theoretical models within the context of broader sociological theories of social systems and change, and apply those models to human service organisations
- Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
2 Report
Assessment 2-
Case Study Report
Type: Written assessment
Due date: 11.59 PM (Friday, 14 May 2021 -Week 9)
Weighting: 30 %
Length: 1500 words
Unit Coordinator: Dr Venkat Pulla
Learning Outcomes Assessed
· Research and analyse organisational theoretical models, within the context of social systems and change, and apply those models to professional practice within human service organisations
· Evaluate organisational models for cross-cultural practice, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Aims
The aim of this assessment is to reflect on the theoretical models that have been reviewed so far and how they may be applied to the organisation in the case study (see Moodle site for details of the case study). A detailed list of readings is provided on the Moodle site.
TASK DESCRIPTION
So far in this unit you will be at a stage to demonstrate further nuances of practice of social work service delivery within the boundaries of an organisation. The tasks that social workers carry out are defined by the nature and objectives of the organisation. You are asked to take any two key stages within the case study organisation and explain them from the theoretical readings and your reflection. More details are provided in the Moodle site for this unit.
Requirements
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on each page in a header.
· Write in the third-person perspective.
· Use formal academic language.
· Use Harvard referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
· The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Resources
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Week 9 Friday (14 May 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 11 Friday (28 May 2021)
Marking Criteria
| Criteria | High Distinction 84.5 – 100% | Distinction 74.50 – 84.49% | Credit 64.50 – 74.49% | Pass 49.50 – 64.49% | Fail <49.5% | Fail (content absent) 0% |
| Criteria 1: Knowledge of organisational theoretical models including limitations particularly in regards to cross-cultural issues as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues (40%) | Advanced knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations | Comprehensive knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations | Detailed knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations | Adequate knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations | Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations | This task was not undertaken 0% |
| Criteria 2: Application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (40%) | Excellent application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study | Very good application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study | Good application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study | Adequate application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study | Inadequate or inappropriate application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study | Lack of application of theoretical models 0% |
| Criteria 3: Clear written expression and correct spelling (10%) | Consistently accurate with spelling and grammar | 1-2 errors with spelling and grammar | 3-4 errors with spelling and grammar | 5-6 errors with spelling and grammar | Many consistent errors with spelling and grammar | Poorly written 0% |
| Criteria 4: Adequate and appropriate referencing (10%) | Excellent and appropriate referencing | Very good and appropriate referencing with 1-2 errors | Good referencing with 3-4 errors | Adequate referencing with 5-6 errors | Inadequate and inappropriate referencing | No referencing |
- Research and analyse different organisational theoretical models within the context of broader sociological theories of social systems and change, and apply those models to human service organisations
- Evaluate the appropriateness of organisational models for different cultural contexts including working in Indigenous contexts
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
3 Written Assessment
Assessment 3 – Essay
Type: Written assessment
Due date: Monday 31 May 2021 11:59 PM (week 12)
Length: 2000 words
Unit Coordinator: Dr Venkat Pulla
Leaning Outcomes Assessed
· Analyse a variety of organisational types and contexts, and evaluate their strengths and limitations in delivering
human service organisation goals and social work outcomes
· Evaluate organisational models for cross-cultural practice, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples
Aims
This assessment is to further your ability to reflect on organisational management constructs and its implications for social work staff and service delivery. This will extend your understanding developed in assessment 2.
TASK DESCRIPTION
‘The challenge for social workers is negotiating the slippage between the potential or the ideals of social work as a professional activity and the reality of social work as organisational work’. The assessment you would be writing addresses this statement. This assessment follows on from the previous and hence you will be familiar with the hypothetical organisation- Avalon Care, however the current task you will be reflecting on scenarios that affect staff and service users/clients.
You will explore the following questions/angles in the Case study - Avalon Care.
1. Discuss the challenges faced by the main workers in the proposed changes.
2. What would ‘professional identity’ look like in the new proposed roles?
3. How would this identity differ or be like the current social work role?
4. Is social work contested in the case study organisation? How?
5. Has social work become a part of the ethos of consumerism and/or participation? What is your reflection on this organisation based on your comprehensive readings?
Literature and references
In this assessment use at least 6 - 10 contemporary references (<10 years) to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies
Requirements
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on each page in a header.
· Write in the third-person perspective.
· Use formal academic language.
· Use Harvard referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
· The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Resources
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
· Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Essay due in study week
14 June 2021
Marking Criteria
| Key Criteria | High Distinction 84.5 – 100% | Distinction 74.50 – 84.49% | Credit 64.50 – 74.49% | Pass 49.50 – 64.49% | Fail <49.5% | Fail (content absent) 0% |
| Knowledge of organisational theoretical models including limitations particularly in regards to cross-cultural issues as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues (40%) (30%) | Advanced knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations (25.35-30) | Comprehensive knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations (22.35-25.34) | Detailed knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations (19.35-22.34) | Adequate knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations (14.85-19.34) | Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge of organisational theoretical models demonstrated including limitations (<14.85) | Submission is missing most aspects of task. (0) |
| Application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (30%) | Excellent application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (25.35-30) | Very good application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (22.35-25.34) | Good application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (19.35-22.34) | Adequate application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study 14.85-19.34) | Inadequate or inappropriate application of theoretical models/ frameworks to case study (<14.85) | No summary. (0) |
| Clear understanding of the case study and the challenges for social workers in change management (30%) | Outstanding understanding of change management and its impact on staff. (25.35-30) | High-level understanding of change management and impacts on its staff (22.35-25.34) | Good level understanding of change management and impacts on its staff (19.35-22.34) | Satisfactory understanding of change management and impacts on its staff (14.85-19.34) | Little or no understanding of change management and impacts on its staff (<14.85) | No analysis presented (0) |
| Evidence of a clear structure, organisation of the material and accuracy of referencing (10%) | Exemplary writing standard. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Uses appropriate writing and referencing styles. No mistakes evident. (8.45-10) | High level of writing skills demonstrated meticulous referencing. Only minor grammar, spelling, punctuation and referencing mistakes evident. (7.45-8.44) | Quality of writing is of a good standard with a few grammar, spelling punctuation and referencing mistakes evident. (6.45-7.44) | Quality of writing and presentation is of a satisfactory standard with quite a few grammar, punctuation, spelling and referencing mistakes evident. (4.95-6.44) | Quality of writing and presentation is at a poor standard with many mistakes and lack of clarity evident. (<4.95) | Little to no meaningful writing. (0) |
- Analyse a range of variations of organisational types and context, and evaluate their relative limitations and potential in delivering human service organisational goals and social work objectives and values
- Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
