Larry Watson

A Mixed Methods Examination of Nonprofit Board Chair Preferences in Hiring Executive Directors

Considerable research has asked what job skills are needed for human services administrators and which degree is the “best” one to acquire those skills. This study extends previous research by adding another stakeholder group, Board Chairs, in a mixed methods study. Implications are presented for policy and practice.

Managing Special Needs and Treatment Approaches of Intercountry Adoptees and Families

This article examines the contemporary context of intercountry placement to the United States and the special needs of internationally adopted children. Families who adopt internationally may face tremendous challenges in meeting the needs of their children. Treatment models adapted for intercountry adoptees and their families are discussed. Finally, policy and practice recommendations are presented.

The Tri-Sector Environment of Social Work Administration: Applying Theoretical Orientations

This article presents a framework integrating theoretical concepts and reform movements that shape the contemporary environment of social work administration. The framework incorporates several major environmental forces including issues of authority, market exchange and community cooperation, and new public management influences promoting market-based management, privatization, and downsized government.

The Enhancement Seminar Model as a Strategy to Promote Diversity and Student Success in MSW Programs

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an enhancement program by examining a cohort of 57 students admitted on probationary status to an MSW program in 2002 and required to participate in the enhancement program. The demographics for students admitted on probation demonstrate that the program is effective in increasing the diversity of the student body and that students admitted on probation were very successful in the MSW program when compared to the cohort of 167 students admitted unconditionally.

Social Work Values in Human Services Administration: Implications for Social Work Education

The perceived wisdom in the social work education community, based on empirical research from the 1990s and the early part of this century, says that the master of social work (MSW) degree is not competitive with the master of business administration or the master of public administration to obtain top-level administration jobs in nonprofit agencies. This article reviews recent information on hiring preferences of board chairs that provides new hope that the MSW degree with a concentration in management or administration is perceived as a viable and useful degree for top-level positions in human services agencies. Thus, current board chairs are more inclined to value the MSW than administrators and academics from years past. The reason is that the values of social workers are seen as quite valuable in the current environment.

Factors Influencing the Relationship Between Contract Providers and a State Funding Agency

This study examines relationships between the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the nonprofit child care agencies providing services through contract arrangements. The study tested the proposition that the administrators of contract child care agencies will define their agencys relationship with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as supplementary, complementary, or adversarial (Young, 1998) based on the administrator and agency demographic variables, administrators attitude toward the role of government, the administrators view on management, and the agencys financial characteristics. The study found that the percentage of budget from the state agency and the level of education of the administrator significantly predicted one type of relationship (complementary). None of the other structural factors identified were found to be significant predictors. The qualitative findings indicate that the social dimensions, such as mutual respect, fairness, and individual relationships, are more important than structural factors in determining relationships.

The Joy of Social Work Administration: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Human Service Administrators’ Positive Perceptions of Their Work

ABSTRACT Positive organizational psychology suggests that researchers should focus on the rewarding elements of work life, yet those in the fields of social work and nonprofit administration have not conducted research in line with this admonition. Indeed, the current focus on administrative challenges and problems may be part of the reason there is currently a leadership crisis in human services nonprofits. This article describes an exploratory qualitative study of human service executives’ perceptions of their work, focusing on what brings them joy in their jobs. We found five categories of joyful experiences. Implications for future practice, education, and research are included.

The Changing Environment of Adoption Practice: Focus on Intercountry Adoption to the United States

This article reviews the history of domestic and international adoption, examines international agreements and U.S. statutes that govern intercountry adoption, and assesses the current landscape of adoption agency practice, with major emphasis on the United States. The article focuses specifically on environmental factors that have driven change in both practice and policy concerning international adoption. The theoretical lens of population ecology offers a helpful perspective on the demographic and cultural trends that have transformed adoption and adoption agencies, particularly as they shifted toward international placements beginning in the mid-twentieth century.

Medicaid Reimbursement Policy for Mental Health Services in Texas: Impact on Service Access and Level of LCSW Social Workers Participation in Medicaid

This study asks Texas Licensed Social Workers (LCSWs) about their willingness to serve Medicaid clients and the factors influencing their decision to participate in the Medicaid program. The study finds that access to mental health care is being jeopardized by low rates and administrative obstacles. There is currently a low level of participation in the Medicaid program by LCSWs, and of those participating; almost one-third are seriously considering dropping out as Medicaid providers at a time when there is an increased need for mental health providers. Implications for Policy Practice are discussed.

Ethical Issues in the Use of Putative Father Registries in Infant Adoption: Implications for Administrators and Practitioners

Infant adoption policy and practices are laden with potential ethical dilemmas for adoption professionals, state and federal government, and society in general. Putative father registries raise new ethical issues in the provision of adoption services and the rights and roles of birthfathers. Birthfathers have relatively little power in the policy arena and the power differential between the parties in an adoption is evident. Administrators and practitioners at all levels of practice have an obligation to see that birthfathers are treated fairly and with dignity. This article examines the issues related to the use of putative father registries and the ethical implications regarding birthfather rights.