Social Work Education Leadership

Insights From Faculty and Staff

Authors

  • Christina Chiarelli-Helminiak
  • Nada Elias-Lambert
  • Shannon R. Lane Yeshiva University
  • Melina Papanikolaou

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/27503

Keywords:

higher education, leadership, social work, feminist leadership

Abstract

Social work education-specific leadership models are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the profession’s role in addressing societal issues that impact individuals, families, and communities and promote feminist leadership within the profession and academy. A cross-sectional electronic survey design gathered information from faculty and staff members at accredited social work programs within the United States. Study participants included 88 full- and part-time faculty and staff. 50 of the 88 participants (57%) answered the open-ended question from which data for this study were analyzed and triangulated with responses to other questions. The data analysis process resulted in identification of three main themes: conceptualization of leadership, support for leadership, and barriers to leadership. Participants expressed the need for more thoughtful succession planning, leadership specific training, and support in removing barriers to leadership. Many of the problems raised could be addressed through systemic change in higher education, including the proposed model of social work education leadership praxis.

References

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Published

2024-10-29