Organizational Commitment of Social Workers: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study explored organizational and individual predictors of organizational commitment in a sample of social workers employed in a variety of different settings. The results revealed that investiture socialization tactics, role conflict, and the type of organization were significant predictors of organizational commitment. Those social workers who experienced lower levels of role conflict and who were socialized into an organization using the investiture tactics that emphasize newcomers' capabilities and build upon their values and perceptions had higher levels of organizational commitment. Additionally, the results suggest that organizational commitment is related to the type of organization. Social workers in mental health settings were most highly committed to their organizations. Based on the findings of this study, implications for social work practice and research are discussed.