Ledarskap i socialt arbete - En studie av efterfrågade variabler vid rekrytering av ledare på mellannivå

Authors: Karin Lindsjö and Johanna Rydiander Title: Leadership in social work: A study of requested variables regarded middle level leaders during recruitment [translated title] Supervisor: Kristina Göransson Assessor: Staffan Blomberg Although working as a leader at middle level within social work is an interesting research area with its complex nature, there is not much science regarding this field, gender issues aside. The complexity lies within the quantity of elements a leader at a middle level in social work has to relate to; service users’ needs, coworkers, leaders above in the hierarchy, laws and guidelines, financial aspects and budget, meanwhile risking the attention of media in difficult cases. This study realizes the complexity of the issue and aims to study which variables are requested when recruiting new middle level leaders in social work by answering the questions: Which variables do the persons responsible for recruiting new leaders at middle level search for and how can this be described by using Weber’s theory regarding social action? This was obtained by making a quantitative content analysis of 105 recent published job advertisements for leader at middle level within social work. In addition, four semi-structured interviews were made in order to contribute with a deeper supplement. The results of the study were that a degree from a school of social studies was the most frequent requested expressed education. Regarding experience the most common variable was an unspecified leadership experience. As for knowledge, laws and guidelines were demanded more often than other, and the variable flexibility was sought most of the qualities. It also showed that prioritizations were made, both in advertisement and from interviewing potential new leaders. Ultimately the study showed that the job advertisements did not state the complete truth regarding which variables the people responsible for recruitment request. Weber’s theory of social action proved an adequate, but not sufficient, tool for studying the scope of the survey. From the empirical material two new ideal types were obtained, regarding the individuals’ relationship to herself and the individuals’ relation to others