Psychology

Psychology

The focus here is an analysis of the models strategies and tactics that have been used thus far to approach the thesis project. A description of the change models, the rationale and theoretical application relevant to the thesis will be discussed. Additionally, the roles played, the interplay of roles, and models, and how they influenced the design and implementation of the project will be conferred.

Before a description of the change models is given, social change needs to be defined. For the framework of this discussion social change could be viewed as a modification of one or more components within the same social system. However, Lippitt (1973) as cited in (Zaltman, 1977) defines change as "any planned or unplanned alteration in the status quo in an organism, situation, or process" (p. 37). Lippitt (1973) as cited in (Zaltman, 1977 also defines organizational change as a planned or unplanned revision of the status quo that effects the structure, technology, and human resources of the total organization. In other words, a person's behavior changes when the situation is defined as different therefore behaviors change.

According to Rothman (2001) there are three theoretical approaches to community intervention that dictate the behavior of those in the change process. These approaches are referred to as modes of intervention and are given the following appellations: locality development, social planning/policy, and social action. Locality development is community work and is based on the belief that in order to effect change, a broad range of people in the community should be involved in planning, implementation, and evaluation.

On the other hand, social planning is a rational, deliberately planned, technical process of problem solving. The degree of community participation varies. Nevertheless, this model includes the ability to gather and analyze data and maneuver large bureaucratic organizations to improve social conditions.

Last, the social action model assumes that a disadvantaged segment of the population needs to be organized in order to make demands on the larger community for increased resources or improved treatment. Of the three modes of intervention the social planning/policy model is the most applicable in this thesis project because it is concerned with the task goals of conceptualizing, selecting, establishing, arranging, and delivering goods and services to people that need them.

In contrast, according to Rothman (2001) there are also three core means of influence that relate to the modes of intervention. These tactics initiate change on an individual and societal level. First, there is force, or coercive power, which is

having control, strength, energy or power needed to accomplish a certain task. The use of force usually indicates the existence of resistance. In relationship to the modes of intervention, force is associated with the social action model. The social action model has a militant orientation to advocacy with respect to goals and tactics. Accordingly, force is used as a goal and a means, to change and maintain the system.

Second, there is inducement, which is something that encourages a person or organization to take action or to make a greater effort to accomplish the task at hand. The use of inducement entails persuading people with facts and information so they can see the benefits and accept certain programmatic approaches. For example, when using coercive power, one has to control the means of force. In contrast, using inducement one has to manipulate the goods that may induce people. Therefore, inducement is most applicable to this thesis project because the goal is to create services that would be profitable for the organization. The social planning/policy mode of intervention is aligned with inducement. As a result, the planner attempts to induce the system to implement a proposed plan through a variety of methods (Rothman, 2001).

Finally, there is consensus, which are agreements between the participants that a course of action should be followed, based on core values in the social system. Usually, a consensus occurs after collaborative problem solving and conflict resolution. However, unanimous consensus is seldom achieved, therefore there is a continuous coordination throughout the study process with the expectation of gaining support from the organization or public. In regards to the means of influence, value consensus is best expressed within the locality development mode of intervention. The locality development mode of intervention focuses on the greater good of society and requires the establishment of good working relationships to change or maintain the system (Rothman, 2001).

Additionally, the means of influence have some other properties that are interesting. Each can be a goal as well as a means. Consequently, this means inducement can be used to secure power and control. Force can be used to secure a value consensus in a limited fashion. Inducement can also produce a value consensus when applied over time (Rothman, 2001).

Next, each mean of influence is a part of the stratification system in society. People possess different amounts of power and hierarchal range. People also have different controls over inducements, like money and information. Similarly, people are closer are farther from valued positions in society (Rothman, 2001).

Hence, none of the means of influence can exist without the other. They interrelate on a goals-means basis and are equally supportive. Therefore, force usually exist in some context of consensus, in regards to the circumstances under which force can be used and how much force can be used to produce project goals. As a result, the amount of force can produce a new situation in which the existing consensus must cope. Therefore, without inducement the user of force may not be able to use the elements of force needed to produce project goals (Rothman, 2001).

The aforementioned change project also follows a sequence of moves through Rothman's mode of intervention and means of influence. The change agent in this change project is using inducement as a means of influence; therefore social planning/policy is the mode of intervention.

The strategy begins with an analysis of the problem with the focus being task oriented rather then process oriented. Techniques are selected to gather social indicators of need. The change agent then involves power elites, using inducement to disclose the innovation, so as to proceed with the implementation of the project (TeLinde, 2005). The power elites agree without conflict and the program is implemented. Subsequently, data is collected by the change agent and analyzed to demonstrate the need for change to benefit the target population.