The motivational function of the social work manager

• Main Author: Willemse, Ursula Berenice
• Other Authors: Malherbe, Blanche Regina
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Social work manager; Motivation; Management functions; Management; Human resource management; Human resources; Intrinsic motivation; Internal motivator; Extrinsic motivation; External motivator; 361.320968; Organizational effectiveness; Health services administration > South Africa; Personnel management > South Africa; Social service > Personnel management > South Africa; Leadership > South Africa; Social workers > Job satisfaction > South Africa; Motivation (Psychology) > South Africa; Human services > South Africa > Management; Achievement motivation > South Africa; Employee motivation > South Africa; Career development > South Africa; Quality of work > South Africa
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1380

Motivation is critical to the effective management of social workers in an organisation. A literature study of the concept motivation and an empirical study on the motivational function of the social work manager were conducted. This exploratory/descriptive study aimed to set scientifically grounded guidelines for the implementation of motivation as management function of social work managers. The literature indicated that motivating employees is the responsibility of social work managers. Research showed that social workers, social work managers and the organisation do benefit from motivation. The respondents indicated that motivation as a management function is important. They highlighted that intrinsic motivation and internal and external motivators influence their motivation positively. Organisational policies and a leadership style characterised by autocracy and a laissez-faire approach are demotivating. Social work managers should apply the principles of motivation theories, motivational strategies and guidelines to maintain and sustain motivation. Conclusions and recommendations were made regarding the motivational function of the social work manager. === Social work === M. Diac. (Social Work)