Search results

The purpose of this paper is to explore the aspects of social work for children, primarily in England.

It is based on reflections on research undertaken by the author prior to 1995 and after 2015.

The paper explores the interaction between people – effective leaders and practitioners – and systems.

It is an opinion piece, and does not present findings from a single study.

It urges systems that do not restrict the capability of practitioners.

The value of social work services at times of significant social disadvantage demands strong public policy attention.

The study draws on several research and case studies in over 20 English local authorities

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on development in children’s social work over 35 years from the perspective of someone who has worked in the field as a practitioner and director.

Interview.

The paper provides insights into implementing the Reclaiming Social Work model and how systems can better support social work practice with children and families.

The paper offers a unique perspective on developments in the field and implications for the future of children’s social work.

One‐stop financial shopping at major retailers has so far proved to be less of a boon than was expected. Early consumer studies point to problems with consumer acceptance, customer satisfaction, market segments, and marketing programs. There is no denying the existence of tantalizing opportunities, but most providers have failed to capitalize on these possibilities. The authors suggest that such firms adopt a different approach. The best approach for surmounting these problems and capitalizing on the existing opportunities is (1) proper market segmentation, (2) target marketing, and (3) well‐suited marketing strategies. Nontraditional providers should stop trying to be all things to all customers; they should be more selective and precise in their offerings. More specifically, findings indicate: 1. Consumers who feel comfortable shopping one‐stop financial services do so conditionally. The major retailers' lack of expertise in financial services and the questionable ability of personnel are primary areas of concern. 2. The relatively small segment of consumers who feel comfortable shopping for financial services offered by retailers prefer the convenience of the one‐stop service. Also these consumers accept favorably the national retail chains because of their established reputations. 3. Retailers offering financial services have had problems in identifying target markets and developing satisfied and repeat customers. Nevertheless, opportunities do exist if cross‐selling of present offerings to selected markets can be further cultivated.

This study aims to examine how two types of trust affect five key franchisee attitudes/behaviors within a setting where franchisees have strong contractual ties to the franchisor. The five attitudes/behaviors are: identification and satisfaction with the franchisor, compliance and non‐compliance with franchisor directives, and perceived relationship quality. These attitudes/behaviors were chosen because research has found each to affect franchise performance.

The model in the paper features two trusting beliefs that influence attitudes/behaviors. The study gathers US franchisee questionnaire data then analyzes the model using partial least squares techniques.

Trusting belief‐competence was found to reduce non‐compliance with the franchisor, and also increase identification with the franchisor. Both trusting belief‐competence and trusting belief‐honesty were found to enhance satisfaction with the franchisor and perceived relationship quality. Neither of these two trusting beliefs was found to influence compliance with franchisor directives. Perceived mutual commitment appears to strongly influence both trusting beliefs, whereas length of time as a franchisee does not.

The findings support relational contracting theory, showing that even within a contract, trust exerts a significant influence on vital franchisee attitudes. Other research shows these attitudes/behaviors influence franchise performance, though the present study does not measure performance.

The results suggest franchisee trust is key to the ongoing franchise relationship. Hence, franchisors should try to build franchisee trust. They can do so by enhancing mutual commitment and by supplying well‐conceived new products and marketing campaigns.

This study clearly shows the value of franchisee trust and suggests several ways to build it.

As the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) achieves full implementation in 2014–2015, public perceptions regarding improvement in access and quality of care due to the ACA provide a fertile area for sociological research. The aim of this chapter is to determine if race is independently associated with perceptions of quality of care and access to care after ACA implementation. And, secondarily, we examined if such a relationship remained stable after considering SES (education and income) alone and SES with other relevant individual characteristics.

Data come from a telephone survey of a representative sample of Georgia residents aged 18 years or older. For each domain of the dependent variables (quality of care and access to care), three models were fitted with a nested design. The first model included only race. The second model included only race and SES. Model 3 included race, SES, and the following individual characteristics: (1) self-rated health status; (2) sense of coherence (SOC; a construct used to explain why some people are more disposed than others to illness after stressful situations); (3) travel time to doctor’s office; (4) importance of short wait times as doctor’s office; (5) political affiliation; and (6) geographic location (rural/non-rural).

Race was significantly associated with both the quality of care and the access to care. Non-White respondents were more likely to perceive improvements to both as a result of the ACA. Likewise, respondents with either higher education or income were also more likely to perceive improvements in quality and access as a result of the ACA. However, these associations were partly explained by respondents’ self-reported political affiliations.

Results of this study show that public perceptions toward the ACA and its impact on quality and access to care seem to differ based on an individuals’ race, income level and political affiliation. This may be a reflection of the media blitzkrieg that surrounds the ACA rather than a direct consequence of the policy itself. A concerted effort to develop communication strategies and outreach efforts by race and SES that can better educate the general population on the ACA may alleviate some of the reservations that are inherent to any major policy implementation, especially in terms of healthcare quality and access.