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6: Managing Agencies for Multicultural Services

DOI:

10.1891/9780826154156.0006

Authors

  • Pardasani, Manoj
  • Goldkind, Lauri

Abstract

Social service agencies continue to face two challenges in this multicultural environment: (a) managing workplaces in which workforces have become increasingly heterogeneous in terms of gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and national origin and (b) meeting the service needs of client populations who may represent a wide range of very different cultures, languages, values, religions, and preimmigration or refugee experiences. This chapter discusses the main challenges faced by leaders and managers in social work. The need for culturally competent service delivery has been recognized by several researchers and service providers. It discusses strategies to develop and/or enhance cultural competence within organizations on two levels: service delivery and organizational leadership/human resources management. The chapter outlines several strategies for increasing cultural competency, both internally by creating climates respectful of difference, and externally, in terms of thinking about how to employ culturally competent treatment modalities.