Computer Technology and the Human Services

Abstract

Summary Advocates for the application of computer technology in the human services assume that it promotes practice and organizational effectiveness as well as efficiency. Opponents claim that it fragments practice and reinforces the worst, most punitive, and counter-productive aspects of bureaucracy. While each of these positions rests on conflicting theoretical assumptions about the nature of practice, organizational structures, professionalization and information technology, proponents and opponents alike have failed to provide evidence to support their positions or even to recognize that these issues can be framed and tested empirically. This paper proposes the use of a comparative research design for studying the effect or computerization on program effectiveness and outlines a range of variables which need to be taken into account in addressing the differential impact of computerization on social work practice.