Social work leadership revisited: participatory versus directive approaches during service system transformation

Abstract

ABSTRACTA participatory leadership approach is congruent with social work values and has positive benefits in human service organisations on multiple levels. However, whether this approach is endorsed and practiced by social work leaders in the current government context is unclear. This article presents comparative findings across three children’s service agencies in Ontario, Canada, demonstrating the extent of participatory versus directive leadership approaches during government-mandated service system transformation. These findings emanated from a larger, qualitative, multiple case study. Findings are analysed illustrating the essential struggle between the professional nature of social work practice, and a business management logic. Implications for social work leadership practice and future research are noted.