Navigating knowledge : a constructivist grounded theory of contextual social work knowledge for Aotearoa New Zealand’s practice : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Social work knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand is inherently value-laden, historical, political, contextual, and contingent, directly shaping social work practice and its outcomes. Using a Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) methodology, this study explored how these factors influence the interpretation, construction, and application of knowledge through semi-structured interviews with 37 social workers. The findings indicate that providing meaningful and contextually responsive services requires a robust integration of personal, professional, and contextual knowledge. The application of this knowledge is an iterative process that involves technical rationality, practical rationality, and reflective practice.

The study proposes a theory of 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦, which conceptualises social workers as continuously engaging in the processes of 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 to address its inherent complexity, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 to inform practice, and 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 toward 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴. This theory offers a lens for understanding how social workers develop knowledge that is both purposeful and useful, all while remaining grounded in the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand.