Understanding social work professionalism through organisational lens: a study of social workers in Sweden

Abstract

This study delves into the relationship between social work professionalism and organisational dynamics. It addresses a notable gap in social work literature by examining how social workers perceive and engage with the organisations they serve. Drawing on a survey conducted among Swedish social workers, data from 2018 is analysed. The findings reveal a wide array of job titles for social workers in Sweden as well as divergent perspectives among them, highlighting contrasting attitudes towards professional identity, autonomy, and organisational affiliation. Through a theory-based analysis the study offers insights into the cognitive bases of social workers regarding their tasks, shedding light on the prioritisation of knowledge, skills, and values within different professional and organisational roles. Additionally, it identifies discrepancies between idealised notions of social work and the realities in various organisational contexts. By elucidating the interaction between social work professionalism and organisational influences, the study reveals variation in social workers’ professional roles, tasks, and perspectives. In conclusion, the results point to the necessity of moving beyond generic perspectives of social workers to acknowledge the specific organisations in which they are expected to apply their expertise – also when studying the social work profession itself.

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