Information Communication Technology and the Social Worker-Client Relationship
Lessons from Communication Theory
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2501644 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karen Randolph, Karen A Randolph (0000-0001-8038-2560, Florida State University, corresponding author), Don Latham (0000-0002-3966-7983, Florida A&M University - Florida State University College of Engineering), Don Latham Don Latham, Melissa Gro, Melissa Gross Melissa Gro, Melissa Gross (0000-0002-0771-0350, Florida State University), Christopher Constantino, Christopher D Constantino (0000-0003-3782-5148, Florida A&M University - Florida State University College of Engineering), Christopher Constantino Christopher Constantino |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 916-935 |
| Publication date | 2023-03-22 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Advances in Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1527-8565 • E-ISSN: 2331-4125 |
| Publisher | IUPUI University Library (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.18060/25651 |
| OpenAlex | W4353040058 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 15 |
A core value in social work is the importance of the worker-client relationship. Communication is a key factor in this relationship. The pandemic, marked by a dramatic, rapid increase in communication through information communication technology (ICT), has underscored both challenges and benefits for the worker-client relationship. Informed by communication theories, this paper provides a conceptual framework for examining ICT interactions between workers and clients at the generalist practice level. The review revealed four challenges (e.g., more permeable worker-client boundaries) and five benefits (e.g., increased opportunities for social presence). Factors to be considered in guiding tool selection are: (1) communication medium 'bandwidth', (2) mutual directionality, (3) privacy and confidentiality, (4) message formality, and (5) complexity of message content. Implications for practice, education, and research emerged from this framework. For instance, increased methods of communication via technology can enhance social workers' social presence in relating to clients. However, social workers must know how and when to use which tools. Finally, evidence is needed regarding how ICT use affects the worker-client relationship. Moving forward, we recommend applying communication theories to guide research on the impact of ICT on the worker-client relationship with the goal of establishing best practices for ICT use
Business · Formality · Information and Communications Technology · Internet privacy · Knowledge management · Political science · Public relations · Social media · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work
Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction
Responding to Covid-19
The social psychology of telecommunications
Computer-Mediated Communication Effects on Disclosure, Impressions, and Interpersonal Evaluations
The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects
Virtual Home Visits during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Understanding the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on families involved in the child welfare system
Social Worker–Client Relationships
The Boundaries of the Social Work Relationship Revisited
We Don't See Her as a Social Worker
Child Welfare and Information and Communication Technology
Boundary Issues in Social Work
Mobile Phones as Network Capital
Last Mile
Reaching Young People Through Texting-Based Crisis Counseling
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |