CH.
3: Understanding Community and Organizational Problems
Keeping account of quality data is essential for any human
service organization that wants to ensure longevity and success. As the
government lessens the priority of assisting the disadvantaged, funding becomes
more scarce and the burden to aid the oppressed and in need falls to the
private sector. Funders as well members of the public are increasingly
demanding evidence that organizations are accountable and that their services
are producing the desired results. Data offers donors security in knowing that
their money is being utilized effectively.
The Chapter highlights three essential categories to consider
when undertaking a macro-level project (problem/need/opportunity, population,
and arena). These three categories include defining the problem and those
affected by it, identifying the population and various perspectives, and
compiling data that increases your professional knowledge base and
understanding of the need and potential change agents.
Current systems and processes of evaluation and research in the
field of social work lack the methodological rigor of other professional
fields. Chapter 3 stresses the importance of utilizing both qualitative and
quantitative data when addressing conditions and problems. These two methods
compliment one another and provide a more complete ‘at a glance’ view of the is
issue.
Undertaking the task of gathering data from numerous sources can
seem extremely overwhelming. It is rare that current data and research are
found compiled in a ready for use format. Often times one must seek information
from numerous resources on national, regional, and global levels. This is time
consuming and some critics state that it fails to recognize the need within the
appropriate moment. In an ideal scenario, comparative data will be gathered in
a timely manner from various reliable sources such as those that are government
based. Interpretation of data is nearly as essential as the collection.
Transforming numbers and facts into relevant, understandable reports guide’s
readers to understand why the problem exists and what has enabled it to persist
over time. As greater understanding is achieved, a systematic intervention can
be developed that addresses most if not all of the root causes of the issue at
hand.
I liked the comment that "lack of resources" is universal and should not be part of analyzing a problem. With families that I work with at Children's Division I have often found myself thinking that if parents had resources their outcomes would improve. I am so focused on micro problems and solutions so it was interesting to look at this from a different (macro) perspective.
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ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the statement " Undertaking the task of gathering data from numerous sources can seem extremely overwhelming". During my undergrad, I had to do several projects that involved gathering data. The task was extremely boring and overwhelming. There was also difficulty with collecting up to date data. Usually, one site is current and the other 3 are not. The gov't site are usually years behind due to the amount of data collected and then getting it analyzed. Once the data is collect the interpreter has to be able to explain the data to a two year old. That way it ensure that everyone understands the problem, solution, and estimation enough to explain it to someone else
ReplyDeleteI think I may be one of the only weirdos in the class that actually finds data interesting. I completely recognize that it can be challenging and boring, but without it, we as social workers have no solid evidence showing the efficacy of various tools/interventions/social welfare programs. I think combining qualitative and quantitative data is essential.
ReplyDeleteI most certainly see the importance in data, but I still find the task daunting. I think that analyzing and interpreting it concisely is my biggest personal struggle. The Chapter did a great job of making it's importance clear.
ReplyDeleteData can be overwhelming. In my master's program, we did a lot of research and ran a lot of data through SPSS. The chapter has some good ideas about narrowing down the scope of the information and about how to delegate tasks into three areas of work. I think we should follow this pattern for our respective community projects. I also agree with Nici in that the data should be transformed from cold statistics onto something that community leaders, planners and even politicians can understand.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to human service organizations needing to keep account of data to offer donors security in knowing their money is being utilized effectively, I think that this data comes in many different forms, not necessarily raw numbers. Formalized budgets, internal and external audits, and program evaluations are all ways that data can be collected from a human service organization to show how money is being used. Budgets will show that the HSO is not overspending or under spending, and depending on the budget you can see each line item to see specifically where the money is being spent. Audits (internal and external) are the checks and balances to make sure that an organization is following the “rules” and doing what they set out to do. Program evaluations then show how effective a program is for the organization. These kinds of reports should be made available to anyone interested for transparency and to provide security to the donors.
ReplyDeleteI too think of raw numbers when data is mentioned. I also agree with Nici that the data should be written in a way that is easily understandable and accessible. For instance, I found it difficult to access certain information for the Community Data assignment even though we had assistance from the librarians. I found that the information was not clearly presented, and that I had to follow a lot of links to get the information I was researching.
ReplyDeleteNici, thank you for writing the a summary of this chapter. I appreciate that as we study our communities for this class we are required to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. I love hearing people’s stories, so qualitative data is what I enjoy. However, as we have looked at our neighborhoods and begin to think about changes that can occur, I have already seen the importance of having quantitative data.
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