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Multicultural development in human services agencies: challenges and solutions
1School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201, USA. chyde@ssw.umaryland.edu
Social Work
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Implementing comprehensive multicultural organizational development (MCOD) in human services requires addressing key challenges. This study identifies practical solutions for sustaining MCOD efforts within agency settings.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Organizational Psychology
- Human Services Management
Background:
- Comprehensive multicultural organizational development (MCOD) is crucial for human services agencies.
- Daily agency realities present unique obstacles to MCOD implementation.
- Existing literature often lacks practical insights into MCOD challenges and solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary challenges encountered during MCOD initiatives in human services.
- To uncover effective solutions for overcoming these MCOD challenges.
- To provide guidance for sustaining MCOD efforts within agency contexts.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study utilizing qualitative analysis.
- Interviews conducted with 20 experienced MCOD consultants.
- Interviews conducted with 20 experienced MCOD practitioners.
Main Results:
- Four key challenges identified: socioeconomic environment, organizational dynamics, change conceptualization, and consultant competence.
- Four primary solutions identified: collaborative environmental relations, leadership development, assessment and planning, and consultant selection.
- The study highlights the intricate nature of MCOD implementation.
Conclusions:
- Human services agencies face multifaceted challenges in MCOD.
- Strategic approaches focusing on collaboration, leadership, assessment, and selection can facilitate MCOD.
- Sustaining MCOD requires a deep understanding of both challenges and effective solutions.