Task Groups in the Social Services

Collective problem-solving: a powerful and effective means of assessing a situation, determining a course of action, and accomplishing goals. In the realm of social services, this formidable method has been evidenced in the development of task groups; and in the textbook arena, it is clearly and definitively presented in Task Groups in the Social Services. Focusing on the role of the social worker, the authors consider such aspects as the recruitment and composition of groups, participation as a team member, and dealing with problem behaviors within the group. Selected problem-solving approaches, including brainstorming, societal judgment analysis, and the Delphi technique, are evaluated in terms of both process and outcome. From implementation through achievement, the merits and methods of application for a variety of task groups are assayed.