Spring 2026 SOWK 531 Week 03 - Understanding Organizations

A presentation at Heritage University in February 2026 by Jacob Campbell and is tagged with Heritage University, MSW Program, SOWK 531

A conference table with four chairs surrounds a document; large text reads 'Understanding Organizations.' Context includes 'Spring 2026 SOWK 531 Week 03' and 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW at Heritage University.'

A presentation slide titled 'Week Three Plan' lists an agenda and learning objectives, including parliamentary procedures, social service agency types, organizational theories, and systems concepts at Heritage University.

Book cover titled 'Generalist Practice with Organizations and Communities' is displayed on a green background. Text beside it reads, 'Please make sure you are reading... I know it is a lot.'

The image is a presentation slide outlining the PREPARE model for change in macro practice. It lists steps: Identify Problems, Review Reality, Establish Goals, Identify People, Assess Costs, Review Risk, and Evaluate Success.

The image shows a slide from a presentation featuring the IMAGINE Model acronym. It outlines steps like innovative idea, muster support, identify assets, specify goals, implement plan, neutralize opposition, and evaluate progress.

Slide displays 'Parliamentary Procedure' for a fishbowl activity. Assigns roles like Chair and Members. Discusses topic: Structure of group project. Lists terms: Motion, Amend, Point of information, etc.

**Object:** Two-column slide **Action:** Lists and questions **Context:** Left column explains social service agencies, types include public, private, nonprofit, proprietary, hybrid. Right column asks, 'How Many Can You Name?' Credits Jacob Campbell, Ph.D., LCSW, Heritage University.

Blue slide with white text titled 'An Ant's Guide to Management Theory.' Logos and attribution: 'Understanding Organizations,' 'SOWK 531 Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW at Heritage University.'

Slide displays a comparison of organizational theories. It includes text on Classical, Neoclassical, and Human Relations theories, highlighting Scientific Management, Administrative Theory, and Bureaucracy with their key concepts for understanding organizations.

The slide titled 'Additional Organizational Theories' outlines major concepts of various theories. These include Feminist Theories, Cultural Perspective, Political-Economy Theory, Institutional Perspective, Contingency Theory, and Culture-Quality Theories, emphasizing themes like diversity, adaptability, and organizational culture.

A presentation slide shows text on a systems perspective in organizational assessment. Left: - 'Significant Theory and Major Concepts'- Focus on systems theories with bulleted points on organization and environment interaction.Right:- Title: 'Assessing Organizations from a Systems Perspective'- Key Terms: System, Boundaries, Subsystem, Homeostasis, Role, Relationship, Input, Output, Outcomes, Positive and negative feedback, Interface, Differentiation, Entropy & negative entropy, Equifinality.Bottom right: 'SOWK 531 Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW at Heritage University' Bottom left: 'Understanding Organizations'

Title text 'Using Agency Politics for Positive Change' appears above a bulleted list: conduct a political diagnosis, develop relationships with power figures, form coalitions, stay informed, provide feedback, use assertive communication.

'Review Strategies' slide featuring practical strategies for professionals in bureaucratic organizations. Questions posed on effectiveness and limits of strategies. Text includes: 'HOW TO SURVIVE IN A BUREAUCRACY' and 'Review in Kirstashman and Hull (2018) pp. 185-187.'

The image, titled 'Constructing a Culture of Caring,' shows key concepts with icons: Job Ownership (broom), Seeking a Higher Purpose (mountains), Trust (hands with heart), Emotional Bonding (clapping hands), Pride in One's Work (medal). (Kirtz-Adams & Hall, 2018)

The slide displays the title 'Qualities of a Servant Leader' with a list of traits: calling, listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, growth, building community. Context: presentation slide.

Dr. Jacob Campbell

15 slides

Description

Week three is synchronous, with class on Saturday (2/7). Students will read about how to apply theory and understanding to organizations. There are forums exploring some questions related to the textbook, applying learning to a case study, and engaging with social justice-related media. During class we will engage in some of the following:

Parliamentary procedure fishbowl
Types of social service agencies and local examples
Organizational theories and systems perspectives
Agency politics and working in organizations
Hopeful models

Learning Objectives

Differentiate among types of social service agencies
Analyze social service organizations using multiple organizational theories and viewpoints
Apply systems concepts to assess how organizations function and respond to change.
Analyze social service organizations using organizational theory and macro practice frameworks.
Evaluate how management styles, agency politics, and managed care shape ethical practice and service delivery.
Apply organizational concepts to assess change efforts and justice outcomes in real-world contexts.