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 - 2022
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 Student feedback
Staffing disruptions impacted on the success of the unit. There were some delays with receiving feedback for assessments.
This unit had previously been staffed consistently, but due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the school, staffing disruptions occurred, which may have impacted unit outcomes. This issue has since been resolved.
- 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: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.hickson@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
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
Written Assessment & Presentation - 7 minute presentation and 1000 word commentary Due: Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 6:00 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
Weighting: 15 %
Length: Total of 750 words
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 post 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.
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.
· APA (7th edition)
· 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 3 Friday (25 Mar 2022) 6:00 pm AEST
Submit post in forum on Moodle and copy of post to Assessment 1 submission area
Week 5 Friday (8 Apr 2022)
Moodle Assessment Submission Area
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 | /40 | |
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 | /40 | |
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 | /10 | |
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 | /10 | |
Total | /100 |
- 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.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical practice
2 Report
Assessment 2
Written Assessment
Length: 1500 words
Aims
This assessment is designed to develop students' theoretical understanding of organisational practice and highlight the knowledge and skills required for organisational practice in human services.
TASK DESCRIPTION
The question of contextual influence on the profession have been considered by a range of studies with many confirming that the profession is not only enabled or constrained dependent on the welfare regime it is placed within, but that the context shapes the location of difficulties and disadvantage, influencing how social workers think and act (Ledger, S. (2021) The Interlopers as Disruptors A constructivist grounded theory study of Australian Social Work Education [Unpublished doctoral thesis]. CQUniversity.
The organisational context is a significant professional shaper and understanding this context requires knowledge of a range of theoretical perspectives to effectively navigate systems and uphold the purpose of social work professional practice.
Hughes and Wearing (Chapter 2, 2021) provide a series of theoretical clusters that assist in understanding human services organisations. In essay format with reference to Hughes and Wearing, Jones and May and Ozanne readings in your e-library list, select one theory from 2 different clusters to focus your essay (2 theories in total). You should compare the two theoretical perspectives regarding organisational analysis exploring how organisational contexts influence social work practice.
Your paper needs to include:
-
A brief description of how organisational contexts influence social work practice. This description should consider the influence of social, political, policy and cultural contexts on human services.
-
A brief description of two theoretical perspectives.
-
The similarities and differences between the two perspectives.
-
The relevancy and appropriateness of each perspective to human service practice and social work values and ethics.
-
The appropriateness of each perspective to human services working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
While the Hughes and Wearing chapters are central to this paper, you are required to demonstrate broader reading and research on this topic. Appropriate referencing (APA) is required.
Word Limit
1500 words (excluding references and appendices). You must remain within 10% of the word limit.
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.
· APA (7th edition)
· 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 8 Friday (6 May 2022) 6:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Week 10 Friday (20 May 2022)
Via Moodle
High Distinction 84.5 – 100% | Distinction 74.50 – 84.49% | Credit 64.50 – 74.49% | Pass 49.50 – 64.49% | Fail <49.5% | Marks |
Demonstrated knowledge of organizational contexts and its influences on social work practice (20%) | |||||
Advanced knowledge of organisational contexts and influence on SW practice | Comprehensive knowledge of organisational contexts and influence on SW practice | Detailed knowledge of organisational contexts and influence on SW practice | Basic knowledge of organisational contexts and influence on SW practice | Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge of organisational contexts | /20
|
.Demonstrated knowledge of organisational concepts and theories (20%) | |||||
Excellent knowledge of organisational concepts and theories | Very good knowledge of organisational concepts and theories | Good knowledge of organisational concepts and theories | Basic knowledge of organisational concepts and theories | Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge of provided | /20
|
Demonstrated analysis of organisational theories. Compare and contrast and describe relevance to social work practice (20%) | |||||
Excellent analysis of organisational theories and relevance to SW practice. | Very good analysis of organisational theories and relevance to SW practice. | Good analysis of organisational theories and relevance to SW practice. | Basic analysis of organisational theories and relevance to SW practice. | Poor or no demonstration of analysis of organisational theories and relevance to SW practice. | /20
|
Demonstrated identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory (20%) | |||||
Excellent identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory | Very good identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory | Good identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory | Adequate identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory | Inadequate or inappropriate identification of the limitations and usefulness of each theory | /20
|
Depth of analysis and use of literature (10%) | |||||
Excellent analysis and use of literature. | Very good analysis and use of literature. | Good analysis and use of literature. | Fair analysis and use of literature. | Poor or no demonstration of analysis and use of literature. | /10
|
Spelling, grammar, punctuation and referencing (10%) | |||||
Accurate spelling and grammar. APA referencing format used with no mistakes | Very good spelling and grammar. APA referencing format used with minimal. mistakes | Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. APA referencing format used with some mistakes. | Several spelling and grammatical errors. Some of literature used is appropriate and scholarly. APA referencing format used with several mistakes | Most of the literature used is inappropriate and not from a scholarly source. APA referencing format not used. Less than 5 references | /10
|
- 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
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
Aim
This assessment is designed to develop your knowledge of human service organisations' processes and structures while preparing you for your field education application prior to your third year of study.
Role of Student
You can work individually or in pairs or trios. You are responsible for using Moodle to form duos or trios in a student discussion area. You are a social work student researching and analysing a human service organisation in your community that employs social workers. Drawing on your developing understanding of organisational theory and practice this term, present a 7 minute presentation and 1000 word commentary / handout sheet on a human service organisation of your choice based on your personal/professional areas of interest from the list below.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander support
Domestic Violence Prevention & Support
Disability support
Child & Family support
Community Development
Mental Health
It must be a non-government organisation; however, funding could be provided by government or non-government sources. Your presentation and written submission needs to provide an overview of the organisation and its key aspects drawing on topics and readings studied this term in organisational practice for human services, together with your own research and reading of the chosen organisation. This might include researching and analysing the organisation's website and publications, annual reports, anecdotal information from staff or other sources available to you.
Please note: An interview with a social worker is only a suggestion and not an assessment requirement, acknowledging student and organisational contexts that might make this impracticable. Prior to directly contacting organisation students are required to carefully read the Student Preparation for Organisational Contact document located on the course Moodle site.
Product
- Multimedia Presentation (Podcast, Zoom recording, PPT recording with audio or video) 7 minutes duration
- A written commentary (referenced) or handout sheet (1000 words max) that would accompany your presentation. This can include copies of the PPT slides or other material used in the presentation.
Your organisational presentation should include:
- A background of the organisation, the organisation's philosophy, mission statements, values, goals, structure, environment, technology, culture, and theory informing the organisation. Your research undertaken in Assessment 2 will assist this process.
- The role of social workers in the organisation and how it aligns with professional values and ethics.
- As a conclusion include a verbal brief reflection of your research to date and the aspects of the organisation and or role of social workers that were surprising and or a particular interest to you or your team (if working in pairs or trio's the written submission should include an individual reflection).
- A reference list (APA 7th ed) should be submitted with the recording or as part of the slides.
Presentation
-
Students can work individually or in pairs or groups of three for this assessment task and prepare a joint presentation and PowerPoint submission. In choosing the group work option students are responsible for organising and coordinating the student partnership and notifying the Unit Coordinator by email. Students are advised to carefully read suggestions for working in groups located on Moodle.
-
Please note: Assessment 3 is an individual student submission irrespective of the choice of submission mode in this assessment.
-
Presentations will be 7 minutes in duration. A shareable link to your presentation should be copied and pasted to your written assessment and submitted via Moodle.
Further instructions on this assessment task including presenting in Zoom will be provided by the Unit Coordinator on Moodle and in an Assessment Q & A Zoom session.
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.
· The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion in the written submission. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations. The timing count commences from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the presentation (7 minutes).
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 Friday (3 June 2022) 6:00 pm AEST
Via Moodle
Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)
Via Moodle
High Distinction 84.5 – 100% | Distinction 74.50 – 84.49% | Credit 64.50 – 74.49% | Pass 49.50 – 64.49% | Fail <49.5% | Marks |
Demonstrated understanding of organisational concepts and clearly presents the key aspects of the chosen human service organization (HSO) (25%) | |||||
Advanced knowledge of organisational concepts and the HSO | Comprehensive knowledge of organisational concepts and the HSO | Detailed knowledge of organisational concepts and the HSO | Adequate knowledge of organisational concepts and the HSO | Poor or no knowledge of organisational concepts and the HSO | /25
|
Demonstrated understanding of the role of social workers in the chosen organisation and how it aligns with professional values and ethics (25%) | |||||
Excellent knowledge of the role of SW in the HSO | Very good knowledge of the role of SW in the HSO | Good knowledge of the role of SW in the HSO | Basic knowledge of the role of SW in the HSO | Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge of the role of SW in the HSO | /25
|
Demonstrated reflection about research findings (25%) | |||||
Excellent reflection about research findings | Very good reflection about research findings | Good reflection about research findings | Basic reflection about research findings | Poor or no reflection about research findings | /25
|
Demonstrated ability to prepare and present knowledge and ideas within a time range (15%) | |||||
Excellent presentation, clearly and creatively present knowledge | Very good presentation, interesting and engaging | Good presentation, some minor opportunities for improvement | Basic presentation, ideas not well presented or not clearly explained. | Inadequate or inappropriate presentation. | /15
|
Spelling, grammar, punctuation and referencing (10%) | |||||
Accurate spelling and grammar. APA referencing format used with no mistakes | Very good spelling and grammar APA referencing format used with minimal. mistakes | Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. APA referencing format used with some mistakes. | Several spelling and grammatical errors. Some of literature used is appropriate and scholarly. APA referencing format used with many mistakes | Most of the literature used is inappropriate and not from a scholarly source. APA referencing format not used. Less than 5 references | /10
|
- Analyse a variety of organisational types and contexts, and evaluate their strengths and limitations in delivering human service organisation goals and social work outcomes
- 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
- 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.