The encounter between professional and cultural values of social workers in the Arab sector in Israel: dilemmas, difficulties and challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Social workers in the Arab sector in Israel have a unique set of commitments, in which alongside their organisational and professional commitments, they also have political commitment to mayors that is influenced by their cultural values. The political commitment tends to be characterised by political pressures, which could undermine social workers’ ability to fulfil their roles, and could lead to a conflict between professional and cultural values. The current research was conducted in order to examine this phenomenon, and was based upon 178 social workers employed in various social services in the Arab sector in Israel. Findings revealed negative correlation between social workers’ political and professional commitment. We also found positive correlation between social workers’ professional commitment and mayors’ transformational leadership style in which mayors are seen as effective leaders that allow social workers to feel obligated to shared goals. Two variables that systematically contributed to professional commitment were scope of employment and affective organisational commitment. Decision makers should acknowledge the unique dilemmas faced by social workers in social services in the Arab sector. They should also be aware to the positive impact of mayors’ transformational leadership on social workers’ professional commitment, since it could improve work performances.