Browsing by Author "Dale, Michael Philip"

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    Case management intervention with violent offenders : an action research approach to the development of a practice model : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Dale, Michael Philip
    This research is concerned with the relationship between social work theory and social work practice. The practice context for the discussion is intervention with men who have been convicted of violence towards their respective female partner. The agency context is the Community Corrections Service in New Zealand. The central argument surrounds the development of an integrated model of practice, one which combines a valid theoretical base with appropriate practice skills to ensure that service delivery can meet the identified needs of the relevant stakeholders (in this case the agency, practitioners, clients and victims). The introduction frames the issue of domestic violence as a key practice area and identifies concerns regarding current practice in the Community Corrections Service. The importance of using theory based intervention models is noted and the research process is outlined. In Chapter Two the broad Community Correction Practice context is reviewed. The influence of changes in four key areas are considered: Central Government Management; legislation; organisational structure, and Community Corrections Service policies. Discussion also focuses upon the challenge which the changes present to the implementation of a practice model derived from an integrated position. The Integrated Domestic Violence Practice Model (IDVPM) developed as part of this investigation forms the subject of the third chapter, which is presented in three interrelated sections. In the first section the relationship between social work theory and practice is explored and five key debates are considered (the influence of the scientific model, the influence of values, the integration of theory and practice, the utility of eclecticism and the notion of empowerment). A framework for integrated practice is then presented which seeks to define how the substantive issues surrounding the relationship between social work theory and practice can be incorporated into the day to day actions of practitioners in the field. In the final section the IDVPM is presented. This section includes consideration of the three distinct areas of knowledge from which the model has been developed: domestic violence practice theory; a case management perspective; and issues surrounding the assessment of effectiveness. Each stage of the model is outlined and linkages back to the underlying theoretical premises are indicated. Chapter Four contains the research design. First, the theoretical perspective which informs the research methodology is presented. This discussion traverses the positivist and interpretivist research traditions and grounded theory. Second, the field of action research methodology is outlined, including the rationale for the methodology, and issues surrounding its validity are addressed. Finally, the structure of the research process is presented and ethical issues involved in the research are considered. In Chapter Five the data generated through the research are presented and analysed. There follows in Chapter Six a review of the substantive themes which have emerged from the research data. This discussion is presented in three parts. The structure of the IDVPM is considered first, and recommendations for change are made. Next the influence of values upon practice and the concept of empowerment are reflected upon in relation to the research findings. Finally issues surrounding the assessment of effectiveness are re-visited. A concluding comment positions the IDVPM in relation to initial assumptions regarding the nature of case management. The final chapter provides some concluding observations regarding the research process and offers suggestions for future research. The distinctive features and implications of the Probation Officer, client and victim perspectives are also reviewed. Finally comment is made regarding what has been learnt regarding the relationship between theory and practice and the concept of integrated practice.
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    Probation practice, leadership and effective service delivery : a qualitative study of the perspectives of probation officers and service managers in the New Zealand Probation Service : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Dale, Michael Philip
    The primary goal of this thesis is to consider probation practice and the contribution of leadership to the achievement of effective service delivery in the New Zealand Community Probation Service during a period of major change. In relation to this goal, the objectives are: (a) to explore Probation Officers' and Service Managers' understandings of the political and managerial changes affecting the New Zealand Probation Service; (b) to ascertain Probation Officers' and Service Managers' views of probation values, knowledge, skills and practice; (c) to understand Probation Officers' and Service Managers' views of the assessment of service delivery; (d) to identify how Probation Officers and Service Managers define and what they understand by the concepts of leadership and effective service delivery; (e) to examine how the relationship between leadership and effective service delivery is perceived and acted upon by Probation Officers and Service Managers; and (f) to determine the structures and processes that are necessary to maximise the contribution of leadership to the achievement of effective service delivery. The research participants comprised a purposeful sample of 27 Probation Officers and 8 Service Managers (front-line staff involved in service delivery) recruited from among those employed in the northern and southern administrative regions of the Probation Service. Qualitative data were collected via personal in-depth interviews and augmented by focus group discussions. The key findings of the study are that: first, effective service delivery was not perceived to be limited to the reduction of recidivism alone, but to also include the client's broader social experience, recognising that positive social benefit can extend beyond the simple measurement of offending behaviour. second, leaders must be seen to be credible if they are to create willing followers. This credibility rested upon the leader's possession of relevant practice knowledge and skills, their demonstrated commitment to professional practice, their ability to provide clear direction for practice and their ability to ensure that adequate resources are available to achieve service delivery goals; third, a positive association was drawn between a leader's professional experience, possession of personal power and ability to influence Probation Officer practice. In essence, the leader's experience and competence has a bearing upon confidence in the leader. Participants also posited a connection between positive leadership, the development of a 'team' culture, Probation Officer work performance and service delivery. Overall, the linkage between leadership and effective service delivery was conceived of as being dependent upon the ability of leaders to enhance the practice of Probation Officers. From this perspective, five leadership challenges for senior managers in the Probation Service were identified. These included the challenges to: (a) establish the professional foundations of probation practice; (b) develop a clearer, integrated statement of purpose, values and beliefs that identifies probation as a distinct area of professional practice; (c) develop probation practice in a flexible manner, incorporating international influences while remaining responsive to features and events that reflect the dynamic character of the local environment; (d) to ensure that the integrative structures, processes and new roles/positions necessary to underpin and support probation practice are introduced or implemented, notably for the provision of professional supervision; and (e) to introduce a multi-dimensional approach to the assessment of service delivery that includes both quantitative and qualitative indicators of aspects other than recidivism alone. It is acknowledged that these challenges have significant resource implications.