Collaboration Between Business and Social Work: Findings from an Israeli Study

Abstract

Recent years have seen a considerable increase in business and social organizations' relationships, resulting from the decline of the welfare state and reduction of resources in the public sector, particularly in the social services. This article examines the process by which social workers and businesses develop such relationships in public services and nonprofits. Exploratory qualitative research was conducted among 10 community social workers, the majority of the social workers serving in that area in Israel. The findings indicate the benefits, difficulties, and dilemmas involved in partnerships between social workers and businesses. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of the implications of the relations between business and social work.

Keywords:

• collaboration
• social work
• business
• benefits
• difficulties
• dilemmas