Electronic Information Systems and Human Service Organizations: The Needs of Managers

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Gillingham
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Human Service ◽  
Human Service Organizations ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Electronic Information

Electronic information systems in human service organizations: Using theory to inform future design

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Gillingham
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Human Service ◽  
Human Service Organizations ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Systems ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Joint Cognitive Systems ◽  
Future Design

The problems with current forms of electronic information systems (IS) implemented in human service organizations have been well documented and attention is now focussed on how they might be redesigned for the future. The aim in this article is to demonstrate how previous research and theory can provide useful insights into these problems, which, in turn, can provide guidance for future research-based approaches to redesign. Ideas from ‘cognitive systems theory’ (CSE) and more specifically ‘joint cognitive systems’ (JCS) are explored in relation to the main problems that have been identified with current forms of IS.

scholarly journals Electronic information systems and social work: principles of participatory design for social workers

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Gillingham
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Human Service ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Electronic Information

The introduction of electronic information systems (IS) to human service organizations has been heavily critiqued, most notably for the ways that they may undermine frontline social work practice. Socio-technical design has been proposed as one means to redesign IS and a key element of this approach is the involvement of practitioners in the design process. Social workers, though, may be ill-prepared to engage in such processes. Reflecting on the findings of a program of research which aims to contribute to future designs of IS that support frontline practice, the aim in this article is to provide some guidance for social workers that will assist them to be active and effective participants in the future development of IS.

scholarly journals Final Lines of Defense: Explaining Policy Advocacy by Immigrant-Serving Organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Apolonia Calderon ◽  
Daniel E. Chand ◽  
Daniel P. Hawes
Keyword(s):  
Human Service ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Human Service Organizations ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Policy Advocacy ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Chief Executives ◽  
Local Law Enforcement ◽  
Nonprofit Human Service Organizations ◽  
Nonprofit Advocacy

Abstract Nonprofit scholars have developed a rich literature on nonprofit advocacy. While the literature is rich, however, gaps remain in our collective knowledge, especially regarding specific sectors of nonprofit human service organizations. Here, we apply existing theory on advocacy by human service organizations to an important subset of the nonprofit community, that being immigrant-serving organizations (ISOs). Most prior research on nonprofit advocacy has not focused on politically polarized issues, such as contemporary immigration policy. Using a nationwide survey of ISOs, we find that unlike other types of human service organizations, the majority of ISOs do engage in at least some forms of policy advocacy. However, those that report using the H-election status on their Form 990s are significantly more likely to engage in advocacy and do so to a wide variety of policymakers, including legislators, chief executives, and even local law enforcement agencies. H-election groups are also more likely to perceive their advocacy activities as effective. These findings add to the evolving knowledge on when and how human service groups seek policy change for marginalized groups.

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