Decision-making in Social Work Field Education: A "Good Enough" Framework. Issue 4 (18th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buck, Page Walker; Fletcher, Patricia; Bradley, Janet
• Is Part Of: Social work education. Volume 35:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2016-05-18
• Subjects: Decision-making -- directors of field education -- 'good enough' -- field practicum -- competing demands; Social work education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 361.0071141
• DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2015.1109073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5479

Abstract

Abstract: This qualitative study was designed to explore decision-making processes used by directors of field education in social work programs in the USA. It is a follow-up to previous research showing the dilemmas that field directors face [specifics deleted to maintain the integrity of the review process]. We asked 22 field directors to explain how they would handle different dilemmas designed to simulate the kinds of issues that typically arise in field education. Analyses revealed that field directors use a four-dimensional decision-making process to address competing demands, employing a 'good enough' framework. The four dimensions include student learning, professional ethics, agency relationships, and administrative expectations.