Report: Critical Review and Evaluation of Social Work Articles

This report provides a critical review and evaluation of six academic articles related to social work practices. The analysis explores key concepts such as relationship-based practice, person-centered care, and the importance of love and compassion in social work, as highlighted by Morley and Ife (2002). The report contrasts different perspectives, including Murphy, Duggan, and Joseph (2013)'s discussion on relationship-based practice, Sheppard and Charles (2015)'s examination of intellectual and interpersonal elements, and O’Leary, Tsui, and Ruch (2013)'s focus on professional boundaries. The report also considers Trevithic (2003)'s emphasis on relationship-based approaches and Reimer (2014)'s discussion on effective working relationships. The reviewer reflects on the importance of developing strong client relationships, ethical conduct, and professional boundaries to enhance career development in social work. The report emphasizes the need for empathy, compassion, and adherence to ethical codes to provide effective services and avoid discrimination. Ultimately, the report concludes that a relationship-based approach is critical for enhancing the quality of services in social work.

CRITICAL THINKING AND
COMMUNICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
REFLECTION.................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
This report consists of critical review and evaluation of six academic articles based on
social work practices will be discussed and its compatibility with person centred care approach
will also be explained. Researcher will compare and contrast the articles to generate
comprehensive understanding which will help in the career development in social work.
Investigator will reflect on his or her understanding which acquired from analysing such articles
to demonstrate overall learning in effective and efficient manner.
MAIN BODY
In the article proposed by Morley and Ife (2002) which focused on the love of humanity
and is largely missing from social work literature. Authors elucidated that the word love does not
use frequently in the literature of social work and cannot be found in the daily practices
undertaken by social workers. Love is essential component in social work to undertake activities
more effectively as it is important for these employees to have love towards humanity. Authors
further provided the central themes in social work which are individual responsibility and
collective power. In the article, researchers state the view of President of Czech Republic Vaclav
Havel. His philosophy is relying on the notion that there is no Platonic limit between physical
and ideal, but that the two are unreasonably connected. It is important to show love and
compassion towards them to reduce suffering of humans. Thus, it enables social workers to show
empathy and love towards those whom they care. Apart from this, it requires to analyse the
situation and take up initiatives to understand care receivers, by supporting them help to
overcome them pain they faced and to live a normal life.
In comparison to it, the article proposed by Murphy, Duggan and Joseph (2013)
discussed the conceptualisation of relationship based practice from a person centred point of
view and its applicability to modern social work. Relationship based practice resurging in the
social care practices where social workers tend to involve care seekers in decision making
process to enhance effectiveness in the care provided to them. Investigators elucidated that in
modern social work practices, relationship based models of practice are suitable and precise.
They argued that there is mutual incompatibility in person centred approach which is brought in
social work context.
In support to this, Sheppard and Charles (2015) who examined the relationship between
intellectual and interpersonal in social work. In this study, three key messages have been spread
1

by researchers. The first was foundation of practice in which authors provide explicit
understanding of distinctiveness of intellectual and interpersonal elements in collaboration with
counter correlation between two facets which were recommended at the most primary level.
Social work is involved in a degree of tension between two elements, that is, head and heart. The
second message was the multidimensional complicated nature of cases where researcher focuses
on reasoning process that is involved to enhance social work practices. The third message given
by authors was to enhance the quality of training provided to social workers to enhance their
critical thinking skills and abilities.
O’Leary, Tsui and Ruch (2013) stated in their article that in all relations in
professionalism, there are forces imbalances and possibility for discrimination and exploitation
and to avoid it, professional boundaries must be established within social work. Researchers
discussed traditional conceptualisation of professional boundary model which helps in
understanding the significance of establishing boundary within professional setting.
The motive of social work is to promote self-determination and encourage social justice
to improve relationship between client and social worker. It is essential for social workers to
follow ethical practices and norms which helps in enhancing interpersonal relationship within the
organisation to avoid discrimination. Ethical codes must meticulously have explained to the
social workers so that they can undertake their daily activities effectively and efficiently. In
situations when they do not proper understanding towards the roles that they have to play, then it
can affect the care receiver in negative manner.
In order to support the argument, Trevithic (2003) elaborated the significance of
relationship based approach within social work. It is imperative for social care providers and
service users to have adequate relationship between them to provide effective and efficient
quality care. In the research study, researchers identified the importance of relationship in social
welfare which stretch social work beyond just normal practices. It can be found in governmental
policies and legislations which allows social workers to maintain cordial relationship with
clients. Researchers in their paper discussed seven principles which shows actual attitude,
knowledge, abilities, etc. required by the social workers. Investigators found in the study that
relationship based approach plays prominent role in social work. Relationship can be perceived
as the litmus test which shows direction of current social work practices.
2

In the article proposed by Reimer (2014) discuss the usefulness of effective working
relationship within social work practices. This study highlights the manner in which force is
placed on social workers through contention in the sphere of professionalism relating with
ethical practices. The study also describes side effects of amicable nature in professionalism that
impact on social workers negatively and evoke a question whether relationship and
professionalism are required in social practices or not. Author found that family workers have
identified themselves carrying load of internal disputes. It is essential to eliminate the burden on
family workers to raise their morale.
REFLECTION
I have critically reviewed every article in succinct manner to generate greater
understanding so that I can enhance my career in social work. I found that the academic articles
show profound awareness regarding relationship based approach, construction of boundaries in
social work profession, and love towards humanity and relationship at intellectual and
interpersonal. By analysing all the articles, I can say that social work is a challenging profession
to enhance my career in it, I need to focus on developing effective relationship with clients or
service users.
As in the articles it was stated that love towards humanity is heart for social work
practices, I have learned that I need to show empathy, compassion and love towards service
seekers. In one of the articles, it was sufficiently explained the importance of relationship based
approach in social work practices. To improve quality of care provided to the service users, it is
essential to formulate precise and adequate relationship with them. I have to first make proper
communication with the users and through interaction, I can make adequate relationship with
them. I have learned about discrimination and imbalances in social work practices due to lack of
professional boundaries. I need to comply with all legislations prescribed and must obey orders
from seniors and supervisors to maintain discipline within social work. This will help me in
undertaking any social work practices effectively and efficiently.
In the article, I obtained information regarding pressures placed on social workers to
follow the ethical practices and code of conduct. Professionalism and relationships are two
crucial elements in social work and a social worker must have aligned and synchronised where
both these elements can be provided to the service user. I have gained crucial information which
3

helps me in enriching my career as social worker and I will embrace it appropriately so that I can
give precise services to clients.
CONCLUSION
In summing up, it can be said that relationship based approach in social work is
considered as the most critical element as it enhances the quality of services provided to the
service users. The six articles have been succinctly analysed in this paper which could help
researcher in developing his or her career in social work.
4

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Murphy, D., Duggan. M. & Joseph, S. (2013). “Relationship-Based Social Work and Its
Compatibility with the Person-Centred Approach: Principled versus Instrumental
Perspectives”, British Journal of Social Work, 43, 703-719.
Morley, L. & Ife, J. (2002). “Social Work and a Love of Humanity”, Australian Social Work,
55(1), 69- 77.
O’Leary, P., Tsui, M. & Ruch, G. (2013), “The Boundaries of the Social Work Relationship
Revisited: Towards a Connected, Inclusive and Dynamic Conceptualisation”, British
Journal of Social Work, 43, 135-153.
Reimer, E.C. (2014). “Using Friendship to Build Professional Family Work Relationships where
Child Neglect is an Issue: Worker Perceptions”, Australian Social Work, 67(3), 315-331.
Sheppard, M. & Charles, M. (2015). “Head and Heart: An Examination of the Relationship
between the intellectual and Interpersonal in Social Work”, British Journal of Social
Work, 45, 1837-1854.
Trevithic, P. (2003). “Effective Relationship-based Practice: A Theoretical Exploration”, Journal
of Social Work Practice, 17(2), 163-176.
5