GENDER AND

DIVERSITY IN SOCIAL
ADMINISTRATION
GENDER DIVERSITY

• is an umbrella term that is used to describe gender identities that demonstrate a diversity
of expression beyond the binary framework.
• For gender diverse people, their identity is about presenting something more outwardly
authentic to the world, whether they understand themselves to be differently gendered, or
have no gender at all. It is all important to recognize that many cultures throughout
history have recognized gender diversity beyond masculine and feminine.
SOME BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL
ADMINISTRATION

• a. Acceptance - leaders and staff members are encouraged to accept one another and to act
accordingly. This does not rule out criticism and evaluation and suggestions for
improvement but does mean that all staff members feel a basic security as individuals, with
rights as well as responsibilities.
• b. Democratic involvement in formation of agency policies and procedures- this
implies participative management to perform better.
• c. Open communication- indicates sharing of ideas and feelings within the agency, acting
and reacting with honesty and integrity.
PRINCIPLES AS EXPLAINED BY
TRECKER
• The principle of Social Work values - the values of the profession are the foundation
upon which services are developed and made available to persons who need them.
• The principle of community and client needs - the need of the community and the
individuals within it are always the basis for the existence of social agencies and the
provision of programs.
• The principle of agency purpose - the social purpose of the agency must be clearly
formulated, stated, understood and utilized.
• The principle of cultural setting - the culture of the community must be understood in
as much as it influences the way needs are expressed and the way services are authorized,
supported, and utilized by the people who need them.
• The principle of purposeful relationship - effective purposeful working relationship
must be established between the administrator, the board, the staff and the constituency.
• The principle of agency totality – the agency must be understood in its totality and
wholeness.
• The principle of professional responsibility - the administrator is responsible for the
provision of high quality professional service based on standards of professional practice.
• The principle of participation - appropriate contributions of boards, staff and
constituency are sought and utilized through the continuous process of dynamic
participation.
• The principle of communication - open channels of communication are essential to the
complete functioning of people.
• The principle of leaders - the administrator must carry major responsibility for the
leadership of the agency in terms of goal attainment and the provision of professional
services.
• The principle of coordination - the work delegated to many people must be properly
coordinated.
• The principle of resource utilization - the resources of money facilitates and personnel
must be carefully fostered, conversed and utilized in keeping with the trust granted to the
agency by society.
• The principle of change - the process of change is continuous, both within the
community and within the agency.
• The principle of evaluation - continuous evaluation of processes and programs is
essential to the fulfillment of the agency’s objectives.
• The principle of growth - the growth and development of all participants is furthered by
the administrator who provides challenging works assignments, thoughtful supervision,
and opportunities for individual group learning.