Margaret Gibelman

Very Public Scandals: Nongovernmental Organizations in Trouble

This paper analyzes, from a cross-national perspective, publicized incidents of alleged wrongdoing on the part of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Data were derived from daily, weekly, or monthly newspapers and special nonprofit newsletters accessible through websites. Analysis of media reports of “scandals” involving NGOs was conducted to identify issues and trends in governance and management problems associated with this sector. The paper focuses on NGOs involved in the financing or delivery of health and human services. After highlighting some of the precedent-setting cases of NGO improprieties in the United States during the 1990s, prominent global cases of wrongdoing during the period 1998–2000 are reviewed. The underlying problems that allowed these cases to occur and their implications regarding NGO credibility and public trust are identified, and strategic options for enhancing accountability presented.

A QUEST FOR CITATIONS? AN ANALYSIS OF AND COMMENTARY ON THE TREND TOWARD MULTIPLE AUTHORSHIP

Academic careers and granting of tenure within the university are directly linked to a record of scholarly production. This growing emphasis on publishing appears to have contributed to an increase in collaborations among faculty members, resulting in an increase in multiple-author publications. This article explores the basis for the phenomenon of multiple authorship, the implications of multiauthor scholarship, and the potential ethical questions that may arise from such collaborations. Guidelines from related professions are reviewed in regard to their utility for social work. Finally, the authors make suggestions in regard to when and under what circumstances multiple authorship is appropriate and beneficial.

The Downside of Cyberspace: Cheating Made Easy

This article explores the actual and potential misuses of the World Wide Web in regard to access to “paper mills” and other information sources that make plagiarism relatively easy. The authors describe their experience accessing such paper mill products and present results of a quasi-experiment in which participants graded three papers: one an actual student submission and two purchased off the Internet. Findings suggest reason for concern about student misuse of the World Wide Web. The authors argue that different strategies for the design of class assignments must be considered by all educational programs to diminish enhanced opportunities for “cybercheating.”

The private practice of social work: Current trends and projected scenarios in a managed care environment

This article reviews the status of the social work labor force engaged in the private practice of social work based on data drawn from the full membership of the National Association of Social Workers. The demographics, areas of practice, income, and career development patterns of this sub-set of social workers are explored. These trends and issues are then discussed within the context of the realities of actual and potential changes in the mental health system of care in this society and their implications for private practice. Despite clear patterns which show a consistent upward trend in the proportion of social workers engaged in the private practice of social work, the current political and economic environment raises substantial questions about the nature and breadth of this component of social work practice in the future.

Advocacy Be Not Forsaken! Retrospective Lessons from Welfare Reform

This article reviews the often uneven and sometimes peripheral role of advocacy as a social work function and explores its current relevancy in regard to agency practices, ethical mandates and the “person-in-environment” orientation of social work practice. Welfare reform (in which Aid to Families with Dependent Children [AFDC] was abolished in 1996 and replaced with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]) is presented as a case example of both a failed opportunity to influence the course of public debate, and the potential benefits of advocacy when it is systematically applied and integrated as part of an overall organizational approach to services. Generalized principles are then drawn from the case study as they apply to advocacy practice with vulnerable populations.

Learning from the Mistakes of Others: A Look at Scientific Misconduct in Research.

This article examines the issue of scientific misconduct and its implications for the training of social work researchers. An analysis is presented of an increasing body of cases in which allegations have been made and violations of legal and ethical research standards have been substantiated. Case examples illustrate that fields closely related to social work are developing their own set of case experiences of scientific misconduct. Implications for faculty and curriculum development are explored. The authors make recommendations toward the prevention and resolution of potential or actual instances of scientific misconduct in social work research.

Social Work and Public Social Services Practice: A Status Report

The authors review the current status of the social work labor force within the public sector by means of an analysis of the National Association of Social Workers member data base for 1988 and 1991, with additional data drawn from a 1993 member survey. Changes in the proportion and composition of the public social services labor force are documented, including education, experience, gender, and ethnicity. The decreasing professional social work labor force within public social services is discussed within the context of the realities of public social services practice and social works historic place within this sector. The authors encourage debate about the implications of these trends, focusing on whether social work should influence labor-force trends or be influenced by them.

The promise of faith‐based social services: Perception versus reality

Abstract This article explores the tenets that support the history of faith‐based social services in the United States and highlights the role of faith‐based organizations, which have a long and respected tradition in service provision. These tenets are rooted in the religious and secular precepts of duty, obligation, charity, responsibility, participation, community, and justice. As basic as these concepts are, the 2001 political debate about extending public support of faith‐based services has proven to be divisive rather than unifying. The concepts and practice of, and experience with, faith‐based services provide an important perspective by which to view and assess the 2001 Bush initiative to expand the use of faith‐based groups in the provision of social services. There is an inherent danger in raising expectations about the ability of faith‐based groups to meet social service needs and to do so “better” than other nonprofit or government agencies. Based on this review of the purposes, history, and current capacity of faith‐based groups, implications are identified and future scenarios offered in regard to an extended role of religious groups in service provision.

Progress or Complacency? Pay Equity for Women Circa 2001

This article explores the issue of womens pay in social work within a comparative framework of several other service occupations. A secondary analysis of U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, data on wages and earnings revealed that substantial salary discrepancies on the basis of gender continue to exist throughout the service professions. An examination of the relationship between salary and gender for the position of chief executive officer of human-service related nonprofit organizations also revealed significant salary differences between men and women. Several strategic approaches to combat continued inequities are discussed within the context of the generally inhospitable political climate.

The trend toward multiple authorship in social work : a British and US comparison

This article provides a comparative analysis of publication trends in social work in the US and Great Britain. This exploratory effort seeks to identify possible explanations for the phenomenon of multiple authorship, the implications of multi-authored scholarship, and some of the potential ethical questions that may arise from such collaborations in regard to what constitutes legitimate contributions to a scholarly article or book. To the extent that common trends are emerging across international boundaries, the incentive for heightened communication and collaboration may be increased in an effort to identify implications and derive solutions to common problems.