Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi

Distance Education Programs in Social Work: Current and Emerging Trends.

This article reports on current and emerging trends in the use of distance education technologies in social work education. Areas studied include the extent of distance education programs, curricular areas covered, technologies used, pedagogical approaches, intentions for degree-program development, sources of pressure to adopt distance education technologies, and policy issues. Results are given for BSW and MSW programs.

The Complexities of Becoming Visible: Reflecting on the Stories of Women of Color as Social Work Educators

This article is part of a lifelong commitment to bring the experiences of women of color to the forefront of academic discussion. It is a reflection on the struggles, sustaining forces, and legacy passed on by women of color, who are social work educators to future generations of women. Framed by feminist theory and the theory of intersectionality, the narratives of 16 women of color are points of reflection. The findings of their narratives affirm multiple barriers and challenges, sustaining forces, and the legacy passed on by these pioneers to future generations. Implications for policy, practice, and research are also discussed.

Grandparenting in the Tongan Community: A Cultural Model

ABSTRACT This article examines the phenomenon of grandparenting as an intrinsic structure in the context of the Tongan culture. Study participants included Tongan grandparents and their grandchildren residing in Tonga and Hawaii. Data were collected via individual interviews and focus groups. Results speak to meanings of grandparenting such as a gathering place and a second layer of parents; roles such as teacher and creator and preserver of cultural customs and traditions; and a grandparents-grandchildren relationship that reflects unconditional love without borders or taboos. The intrinsic structure of grandparenting in the Tongan culture with a purpose of preserving and perpetuating cultural customs and traditions is affirmed. A theory grounded on the findings of this study and implications for research, policy, and practice focusing on the cultural aspects of grandparenting are discussed.

Research With Indigenous Cultures: A Case Study Analysis of Tongan Grandparents (Research Note)

This article discusses lessons learned about designing culturally informed and respectful research with indigenous peoples through the analysis of a case example, Tongan grandparents. These lessons have implications for educating ethical social work students and better informing the work of educators, researchers, and practitioners. Research issues with indigenous peoples include the need for inclusion of research team members from the culture in study and an understanding of cultural protocols and expectations. Framing this article is the work of Linda Tuhiwai Smith and guidelines from prominent research and assessment organizations that address multicultural issues in relation to research with indigenous cultures, ethical responsibilities to marginalized populations, and protection of basic human rights. Exploration, analysis, discussion, and generation of implications for education, future research, and practice are shared.

Do you see me? The complex experiences of women of color MSW students

Universities have increased the number of female students of color. However, inconsistency remains in terms of the number of women of color in positions of power and privilege. This discussion attempts to forward the dialogue about the challenges as well as the resilience of female students of color based on the experiences of four female African-American students in a graduate social work program at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Participants shared their daily experience of isolation and exclusion in their graduate programs compared to their experience in Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs). Participants also discussed the divide that exists in institutions, as well as the sustaining forces and implications for education and research.

Conceptualizing Delinquency Among Samoan Adolescents: An Integrative Model

Information about various ethnic groups, particularly Samoans, that evince high rates of juvenile crimes is surprisingly sparse. The existing information regarding delinquency suggests that Samoan adolescents appear in disproportionate numbers in the justice system and other social systems in the United States. Current research on delinquency tends to incorporate 2 or more theories as a way to account for varying influences on delinquency. An analysis of the literature on social problems confronting Samoan adolescents, theories of delinquency, and studies on delinquency in communities of color is provided. As such, an integrative theoretical model attempting to explain delinquency with Samoan adolescents is proposed.

Community, Neighborhood, and Peer Influence on Samoan-American Youths

ABSTRACT This article examines the Samoan community, neighborhood, and peer groups as possible sources of risk and/or protection for delinquency among Samoan youths. Study participants include Samoan-American youths and parents living in one U.S. state. Data were collected via individual interviews of 30 Samoan adolescents, 15 of whom have been involved in the juvenile justice system. Results indicate that community involvement, neighborhood structures and practices, and peer groups may serve as sources of risk and/or protection for juvenile delinquency among these Samoan youths. A theory is proposed based on community, neighborhood, and peer group factors related to delinquency among these youths. Implications for future research and policy and practice specifically focusing on the lived experiences of Samoan-American youths in the United States are discussed.

My Team Members Are Everywhere! A Critical Analysis of the Emerging Literature on Dispersed Teams

Workforce expansions in terms of dispersed teams have enabled social service organizations to meet objectives anywhere. This article critically analyzes the emerging literature on dispersed teams, the relevance of a transformational leadership style, and resulting implications for future research.

Organizational Identification: Perspectives of Dispersed Social Workers

Human service organizations are often challenged to become more efficient while maintaining the quality of their services. As a result, more organizations have restructured, adopting the practice of dispersed work, which allows employees more freedom and flexibility to meet organizational goals outside of the traditional workplace. While dispersed work allows social workers to engage in work activities beyond the traditional office environment, it may also impact their sense of belonging to the organization. Eleven dispersed social workers were interviewed to understand how interaction via new communication technology impacts organizational identification. Overall themes gleaned from this study suggest that although dispersed social workers perceive themselves as having more autonomy and flexibility, they also can feel socially isolated and disconnected from their peers and supervisors, which may negatively impact organizational identification. Despite the enhanced efficiency that technology can bring, human service organizations must strive to understand the unintended consequences of a dispersed workforce.

Getting Grounded on Māori Research

This article offers a collaborative reflection on the processes and methods of conducting ethical, cultural and community-informed research among the indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. The study was conducted by an American researcher, mentored by a team of Māori and Pacific researchers from the community. Framed by the groundbreaking work of Linda Tuhiwai Smith and based on a study of Māori grandparents and grandchildren, this article offers reflections on issues of ethics and human subject protection, community context, research team, entrance into the community and closure. Conclusions are also offered as implications for future research and practice.