The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect that the factors, such as the occupational characteristics of social workers of child welfare facilities and the compensation system, have on the empowerment of social workers, and the effect of occup...
The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect that the factors, such as the occupational characteristics of social workers of child welfare facilities and the compensation system, have on the empowerment of social workers, and the effect of occupational characteristics, compensation system, and level of empowerment have on the quality of service, on which basis to propose some approaches associated with the improvement of quality of service for child welfare facilities which can be achieved by helping creating an appropriate environment for the management of organization and occupation through the empowerment of social workers working at child welfare facilities.
For this study, 124 social workers of child welfare facilities in Chungcheongnamdo province were surveyed, of which result was analyzed the reliability test, frequency test, t-test, F-test(one-way ANOVA), correlation test, and multiple linear regression). The result of the survey is as follows:
First, social workers of child welfare facilities tended to emphasize the diversity(which is the variable relative to the occupational characteristics) and social recognition(that is the variable pertinent to the compensation system).
Second, social workers of child welfare facilities had the highest empowerment relative to the meaningfulness, followed by qualification, self-determination, and effect. Though some variables such as gender, age, and educational background showed significant difference, no significant difference was revealed in terms of the experience of working in the social welfare service and child welfare service, the number of child to whom they provide service, and the type of work.
Third, the quality of service provided by social workers of child welfare facilities was highest in terms of empathy, followed by tangibleness, warranty, reliability, and response. Each variable showed significant difference relative to the experience of working in the social welfare service, the number of child to whom they provide service, and the type of work. However, no significant difference was revealed in gender, age, educational background, possessed certificate, the experience of working in the social welfare field.
Forth, a positive correlation between occupational characteristics which influences empowerment- and empowerment was found in relation to the diversity, feedback, and task identity, while it had a positive correlation with the compensation system in terms of social recognition and chances of promotions. The factor of compensation system, however, showed no correlation.
Fifth, a positive correlation between the factors that influence empowerment and the quality of service was found in relation to the feedback, diversity, and task identity which are variables of occupational characteristics. Also, a positive correlation was found in terms of social recognition and chances of promotions which are variables of compensation system. The variable relative to compensation system, however, showed in correlation.
Six, a positive correlation was found between the level of empowerment and the quality of service with the correlation with reliability being the highest, followed by response, warranty, tangibleness, and empathy.
Seventh, the variable that influences the quality of service was found to be the factor of empowerment. The variable of occupational characteristics was a factor with relatively low influence, while the variable of compensation system did not have direct influence on the quality of service.
On the basis of the results, some recommendations can be made to improve the quality of service provided to child through the empowerment of social workers of child welfare facilities.
First, the occupational system for social workers needs to be standardized. The standardization of the occupational system will prevent the occupation of social workers from being perceived merely as a job that requires sacrifice and service, and help social workers be recognized as professional workers who need to be compensated based on their achievement.
Second, specific route of feedback needs to be established though regular supervision. Supervision is a process to provide the best service, both in terms of quantity and quality, to clients depending on the policies and procedures of organization by performing administrational, educational, and assisting functions through positive interaction with supervisor to ensure that supervisors fulfill their responsibilities for works on site.
Based on the result of survey, more regular supervision is indispensable, given that 22.6%(28 respondents) of all respondents said that they did not have certificate of social welfare worker or other relevant certificates. The route of feedback through supervision may be an important medium to achieve qualitative improvement of child welfare service.
Third, standard manual for child welfare facility needs to be introduced institutionally. Currently, child welfare facilities are being operated by the discretion of the head of those child welfare facilities. It is necessary to improve physical working environment that can meet the desire and preference of social workers based on standard manual.
Efficiency of work can be increased by improving the physical working environment. In other words, it will result in the improved empowerment of social workers which in turn will bring about the qualitative improvement of services provided to child welfare facilities.