Social Welfare Administration

Social Action, Policy and Administration
Social Welfare Administration Concept

Most important development of the 20th century is the emergence of democratic state.
Modern governments now have increased functions and responsibilities in the form of
welfare. Democracy has changed the role of government. Instead of the police state, the
government now focuses more on welfare of the masses. Welfare includes social, economic
and political wellbeing of its citizens. It can be in terms of money or services. Cash
payments, subsidies, concessions, grants and public distribution come under the term
welfare. All these welfare measures amount to the redistribution of governmental revenue
to the needy.
Social Welfare Administration Definition
John C Kidneigh
“Social work administration is the process of transforming social policy into social services It
is a two-way process: 1) transforming policy into concrete social services, and 2) the use of
experience in recommending modification of policy”
Arthur Dunham
“It is a process of supporting or facilitating activities which are necessary and incidental to
the giving of direct service by a social agency. Administrative activities range from the
determination of function and policies, and executive leadership to routine operations such
as keeping records and accounts and carrying on maintenance services.”
S. Singh: Social Welfare Administration is described as the administration of the government

and non-government sponsored social welfare programmes.
Component of Social Work Administration: POSDCORBEF

(1) Planning: Planning involves setting goals and determining the best strategies to achieve
them. It includes identifying the needs of the target population, setting objectives,
developing programs, and allocating resources. Effective planning ensures that social
welfare services are responsive to the needs of the community and are delivered efficiently.
(2) Organising: Organising is a skill of arranging the various resources and task
systematically in manageable manner in relation to the hierarchal status, capabilities of
associates and priorities of agency for smooth functioning. In every organization there is an
integrated series of offices, or hierarchal statuses, in which a number of functions are closely
defined by specific rules.
(3) Staffing: Staffing means the administration of staff. Staffing includes recruitment,
selection, service conditions, promotion, leave, working conditions, welfare etc. Staffing also
includes training, orientation, supervision grievance procedure, retirement rules etc.
(4) Directing: Directing is the giving instructions in orally or in written to staff for doing work
in properly. This component includes leadership, motivation, communication, and
supervision. Effective directing ensures that staff are clear about their roles and
responsibilities and are working towards the common objectives of the organization.
(5) Coordinating: Coordination means to bring into a common action, movement or

condition to relate and combine separate parts in harmonious balance and adjustment.
Coordination is an essential element in efficient and effective administration. Effectiveness
of an individual in achieving his aims in any social situation will depend not only upon his
own activity, but also on how well that activity relates to what the other individuals
concerned are doing.
(6) Reporting: A report is an official presentation of facts. It is a summary of activity covering

a specific period of time. Reports are prepared on the basis of the records maintained by the
agency, it is useful planning the new work in the agency.
(7) Budgeting: Budgeting is a process of preparing and presenting the financial statement
including income and expenditure in a proper way. Social Work Administrator should be
sound in technical knowledge of at least bests of budgeting.
(8) Evaluation: Evaluation means assessing the work completed by agency in the light of
planning and instructions given before starting task. Evaluation is an important component
of social welfare administration for performance of agency. As a social welfare administrator
social worker has the supervisory function of allocating work, or seeing that it is done, and
how it is done. He evaluates the total performance of the agency.
(9) Feedback: Feedback in social service is very important task for the success of
programme. It is useful for the beneficiary, community, funding body and also is policy
framing or modification. Generally, feedback is the response of beneficiary or community.
The feedback should be made during implementation of programme as well as the end of
programme. The finding from feedback may be useful to restructure or modify the
programme.
Principles of Social Welfare Administration:
1. Principle of desire to serve human beings.
2. Principle of sound organization of agency.
3. Principle of appropriate appointment (Right person at right place with right skills)
4. Principle of sound personnel policies and working conditions.
5. Principle of authority and delegation.
6. Principle of building sound public relations.
7. Principle of democracy.
8. Principle of sound budget.
9. Principle of proper clerical and maintenance services.
10. Principle of Self Appraisal/Evaluation.
11. Principle of recording and documentation.
Importance of social welfare administration in social work
Importance of Social Welfare Administration in Social Work

Social welfare administration is integral to the field of social work. It ensures the efficient
and effective delivery of services designed to improve the well-being of individuals and
communities, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. The importance of social
welfare administration in social work can be understood through several key aspects, each
supported by scholarly research and authoritative perspectives.
1. Enhancing Service Efficiency and Effectiveness
Efficiency in social welfare administration ensures that resources are used optimally,
avoiding wastage and redundancy. Effective administration involves strategic planning and
resource allocation, which are crucial for meeting the needs of clients promptly and
adequately.
James Midgley (1995) highlights that efficient social welfare administration is pivotal in
minimizing bureaucratic delays and ensuring that services reach those in need in a timely
manner. By streamlining processes and improving coordination, social welfare
administration enhances the overall impact of social work interventions.
2. Ensuring Equity and Access
Equity in service delivery ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic
status, have access to necessary services. Social welfare administration plays a crucial role in
identifying gaps in service provision and addressing disparities.
Walter A. Friedlander (1968) argues that equitable service delivery is a fundamental goal of
social welfare administration. By prioritizing the needs of marginalized populations,
administrators can ensure that resources are distributed fairly and that vulnerable groups
receive the support they require.
3. Promoting Accountability and Transparency
Accountability involves holding social work practitioners and organizations responsible for
their actions and outcomes. Transparent administration fosters trust and credibility in social
welfare institutions.
According to Mimi Abramovitz (2005), accountability mechanisms such as monitoring,
evaluation, and reporting are essential in social welfare administration. These mechanisms
help in assessing the effectiveness of programs, ensuring that funds are used appropriately,
and that the goals of social work are being met.
4. Facilitating Professional Development
Professional development is critical for social workers to remain competent and effective in
their roles. Social welfare administration provides the framework for continuous training
and development.
Karen Healy (2014) emphasizes that administrative support for ongoing education and
professional development opportunities enables social workers to stay updated with best
practices and emerging trends. This, in turn, enhances the quality of services provided to
clients.
5. Implementing Policy and Advocacy
Policy implementation and advocacy are central to addressing systemic issues and
influencing social change. Social welfare administration ensures that social work practices
are aligned with current policies and that social workers are active participants in policy
advocacy.
Michael Reisch and Eileen Gambrill (1997) assert that effective administration supports
social workers in their advocacy efforts by providing the necessary resources and strategic
direction. This enables social workers to engage in meaningful advocacy, promoting policies
that benefit their clients and communities.
6. Enhancing Coordination and Collaboration
Coordination and collaboration between various agencies and service providers are
essential for holistic service delivery. Social welfare administration plays a key role in
facilitating these partnerships.
Mark Ezell (2001) notes that successful social welfare administration involves building
networks and fostering collaboration among different stakeholders. This multidisciplinary
approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive support that addresses multiple
aspects of their well-being.

Social Welfare Administration

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Social Action, Policy and Administration

Social Welfare Administration Concept

Social Welfare Administration Definition

S. Singh: Social Welfare Administration is described as the administration of the government

Component of Social Work Administration: POSDCORBEF

(5) Coordinating: Coordination means to bring into a common action, movement or

(6) Reporting: A report is an official presentation of facts. It is a summary of activity covering

Importance of social welfare administration in social work

Importance of Social Welfare Administration in Social Work

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