Promoting a research-minded culture in welfare organizations

Abstract

This article identifies the uneasy relationship between research and social work identifying differing conceptualizations on how research can influence practice. Alongside this is developed the notion of a learning organization as both a symbol and a process for encouraging and embedding research within social welfare organizations. Evidence-informed practice is championed over the exclusiveness of evidence-based practice and service user involvement in research is highlighted as a missing part of the jigsaw. The article also highlights the importance of research for social work and the relationship between research and effective practice whilst identifying a vision for a research-minded organization.

Keywords:

• Research Minded
• Learning Company
• Service User Involvement