Effectively Managing Human Service Organizations

Effectively Managing Human Service Organizations is a perfect resource for middle managers, line supervisors, and those who aspire to work in these roles. The author addresses five major issues: leadership, getting things done, interacting with staff, assessing and rewarding performance, and enhancing employee productivity. Many other important issues not normally included in human service management books are covered, including firing unproductive staff, dealing with sexual harassment, managing cultural diversity, and handling stress. A final chapter concludes with ways to bolster the morale and spirit of staff by humanizing the organization. Pragmatic yet eclectic, Effectively Managing Human Service Organizations is the guide for those who wish to raise their vocation to a higher level of satisfaction and professionalism. "This book is extremely helpful in stimulating staff to be more effective and in dealing constructively with those who are unproductive." --Fred Taylor, President, Fenix Enterprises "Effectively Managing Human Service Organizations provides excellent resource material for creatively solving management problems. This is a practical guide for implementing change and getting things done." --Tom Woll, Executive Director, Parmadale

Ralph Brody, Ph.D. passed away on February 8, 2006. Dr. Brody was previously on the faculty of Cleveland State University where he taught social policy and human service administration. He also taught graduate courses on human service delivery models at Case Western Reserve University. Previously, he served for fifteen years as the executive director of the Federation for Community Planning, an organization that provides research, planning and advocacy on health and human services. Dr. Brody authored books on case management, the state legislative process, fundraising events, community problem solving, service learning, and macro practice. Dr. Brody’s many years as a manager and teacher convinced him that the issues facing those in human service organizations were universal and applied to boards of directors as well as NGOs. He dedicated himself to developing tools to enhance the understanding and skills of those in leadership roles, from Cleveland to India, Spain, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt and Nigeria.  His frequent workshops in Kenya led to the translation of his casebook into the Swahili language. His co-authored book with Dr. Nair: Grassroot Development – Establishing Successful Microenterprises has been published in English and Malayalam language. Dr. Brody’s work touched millions, and his contributions will continue to educate, inform and inspire future students and professionals in human services field.