Social Workers' Perceptions of Training Preparedness and Social Justice Norms on Workplace Empowerment

Bibliographic Data

ID11215083
AuthorsMelissa L Bessaha (0000-0002-9094-2469, Stony Brook University, corresponding author), Brittany R Schuler (0000-0002-2869-6260, University of Maryland, Baltimore), Catherine A Moon (0000-0001-9301-2606, University of Maryland, Baltimore), Catherine Kelly Moon
Year2017
Volume43
Issue2
Pages181-192
Publication date2017-03-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01488376.2016.1226228
OpenAlexW2524514672
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited58

This study examined the relationship between (a) social workers' perceptions of preparedness to perform in their professional roles and perceived social justice behaviors at work and (b) workers' sense of workplace empowerment. A sample of 152 currently licensed social workers responded to web or mailed surveys. Respondents were more likely to perceive having workplace empowerment related to meaning in their work if they reported their social work program training prepared them for their professional roles. Perceived social justice behaviors at work were associated with workers' experiencing empowerment related to the impact they had at work. Social workers' sense of training preparedness and experiencing social justice at work can positively influence workers' perceived empowerment. Enforcing the importance of engaging in social justice with clients in social work education, both in class and in field placements, has the potential for long-lasting effects on empowerment in students' future workplaces. Agency-level management should ensure continuity in social justice activities to enhance feelings of workplace empowerment, which may help social workers connect with clients. Future research should examine elements of social work programs that promote feelings of empowerment in order to understand how the same approach can be used in models of continuing education and organizational management

Agency (philosophy · Empowerment · Feeling · Political science · Preparedness · Public relations · Sociology · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work

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