Working on the same conditions : A case study on the role of social workers and the ability to influence within the cross-professional teamwork in a healthcare organization

Titel: Working on the same conditions - A case study on the role of social workers and the ability to influence within the cross-professional teamwork in a healthcare organization. The purpose of this study has been to describe and understand the role and influence of social workers in the cross-professional teamwork within a healthcare organization. The study has been conducted as a case study with qualitative semistructured interviews with seven professionals in the organization, three of which are social workers. The material has been analyzed using previous research and through a theoretical reference framework where I chose to use three key concepts; role, influence and teamwork. Previous research shows that the legitimacy of the social worker is low in comparison to other professions in healthcare, which is also affected by the fact that members of other professions find it hard to understand what the role of social work within health care is. Social workers have in several studies indicated that they feel a need to defend their social position. Research has also shown that many state that it is the physician in the team who determines the working climate and ability to jointly respect the occupational groups. The result of this study shows an organization where the cross-professional work is part of the very essence of the business. Social workers have the same opportunity for influence within the organization as other professions, and is valued based on the unique knowledge that forms an essential part of the business. The role of the social worker is also clear to other teammembers. Therefore this study shows an organization in which the role and opportunity of influence for social workers is affected very positively in relation to previous research. The study also shows that there are challenges in the organization's activities. These concern issues of stress and to have sufficient capacity, which informants realate to a company in rapid development