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Summary
The survival of voluntary social service agencies is a concern, but they remain vital. This study explores how environmental and organizational factors impact their innovation, service provision, and role in social change.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Public Policy
Background:
- The rise of democratic welfare states has not diminished non-governmental (voluntary) social service agencies.
- However, concerns persist regarding the long-term viability of voluntarism and societal pluralism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an exploratory comparative analysis of voluntary agencies serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
- To examine the influence of environmental and organizational variables on agency innovation, supplementary service delivery, and promotion of citizen participation and social change.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of voluntary agencies across the U.S., England, The Netherlands, and Israel.
- Focus on agencies serving the physically and mentally handicapped.
Main Results:
- Findings support theories of convergence in modern societies.
- Identified distinctive competencies and vulnerabilities of voluntary agencies as organizational hybrids.
- Empirical data on the impact of environmental and organizational variables.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary agencies, as hybrids between associations and bureaucracies, possess unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Further research is needed to understand their evolving role in welfare states and social change.