Skip to main content Site map

Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services


Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services

Hardback by Rønning, Rolf; Knutagard, Marcus

Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services

WAS £130.00   SAVE £19.50

£110.50

ISBN:
9780415731263
Publication Date:
26 Jan 2015
Language:
English
Publisher:
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:
Routledge
Pages:
124 pages
Format:
Hardback
For delivery:
Estimated despatch 21 - 26 May 2024
Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services

Description

Innovation is an oft-heard buzzword in both public and private sectors concerned with the organisation and delivery of services to vulnerable individuals. This thoughtful volume explores what innovation might actually involve in the context of contemporary human services. Highlighting both the importance and utility of innovation but also promoting a more reflective approach, the book distinguishes between innovation and improvement and discusses the relevant differences between private sector, public sector and non-profit organisations. It looks at how innovation is often as much a result of the power relations between the involved actors, and the structural context, as a result of popularly identified 'drivers' and 'barriers'. Including numerous case studies, the book illustrates and explains innovations in welfare services at different levels, looking at the macro level (innovations in social policy), the meso level (innovation at organisational level) and the micro-level (user-driven innovations). Arguing the innovation is nothing new in human services, the authors emphasise the importance of innovation being developed and supported by those working within those organisations. New and creative solutions to problems encountered in everyday work by front-line workers can be taken up to improve services provided and make a difference for the users, rather than change being externally imposed upon them by those without insider knowledge. Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services is an important read for researchers and practitioners interested in the administration, leadership and organisation of social services.

Contents

1. Innovation in Social Welfare and Human Services: Introduction 2. What is Innovation? 3. Social Innovations: A Diffuse Concept? 4. Innovations in Public Service 5. Public Innovation: A Question of Power? 6. Levels of Innovation 7. Obstacles to Innovation 8. Innovating: Not Easy, but it is Imperative

Back

University of Bedfordshire logo