Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Applied Social Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorTsui, Ming-sum (APSS)-
dc.creatorKuo, Mei Chuan-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/10342-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleSocial workers as fundraisers : an exploratory study on their perceptions and capabilities in Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.abstractTightening of the budget and resource allocation has caused scarce funding support to non-governmental organisations and introduced managerialism. Discourse between social work practice, values and managerialism on the evolving roles and responsibilities of social workers has thus taken place. Yet, as important as the funding to social workers and their agencies, the subject of fundraising seems to remain under the radar to practitioners, educators and scholars in Hong Kong. Hence, this study aims to explore the perceptions and capabilities of social workers in frontline and managerial positions, on their growing requirements and responsibilities concerning the features of fundraising in Hong Kong. Furthermore, how social work practice and values influence social workers' conduct to raise funds will also be examined. The epistemological thinking of constructionism was embraced in this study and the qualitative research approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews in one-on-one settings were undertaken with a total of eighteen participants with social work experience from one and a half years to over thirty years. Nine frontline social workers and nine social work managers, from small, medium and large social service agencies composed the sample while other relevant information was gathered for reference and comparison from government documents, annual reports, journals and newspapers.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe study found that the reason social workers conducted fundraising was to fill identified service gaps in helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Within this process, fundraising also brought in brand building and networking opportunities, especially for small and non-subvented units and/or centres who appeared to have a much more urgent sense and need for raising funds. Social work practice and values has also pushed social workers to seek alternatives instead of solely relying on subventions to maintain independence, autonomy and stability. Other push factors for social workers in fundraising were to secure social worker's jobs while trying to gather resources to serve needy people. Major difficulties and challenges in fundraising arose and resulted from social workers' limited understanding of fundraising and their evolving roles and responsibilities as frontline and social work managers. The study demonstrated that fundraising supplements the values of social work and is a means to help social workers achieve the end to help their service users. Also, common capabilities in fundraising were identified for social workers in frontline and managerial positions. However, different capabilities were also perceived for different positions: for social worker managers, the perceived capabilities were on a macro level, which was related to their overall managerial and services capabilities; as for frontline social workers, their focus was on service, promotion and personal capabilities. The above-mentioned profile of "Where Are We" indicated the perceptions of social workers toward fundraising. Deriving from this and given the significance of fundraising to social work practice, the study firstly proposed the elaboration of the meaning of fundraising in the social work profession for social workers' consideration and reference. Further suggestions were also followed to motivate and enrich the perceived capabilities of social workers. Subsequently, a sculptured theoretical and conceptual framework on social workers as fundraisers was presented to help social workers to reach the profile "What do We Hope".en_US
dcterms.extentix, 246 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2019en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelDSWen_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.LCSHSocial work administrationen_US
dcterms.LCSHSocial workers -- Attitudesen_US
dcterms.LCSHFund raising -- China -- Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.LCSHNonprofit organizations -- China -- Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
991022346056203411.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)3.39 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/10342