Efficiency and the Social Services (Administration in Social Work Ser. : Vol. 15, Nos. 1 & 2)

Here is a unique book that addresses the concept of efficiency in relation to the social services. Efficiency is a subject of great intellectual challenge and one that has the potential to make a profound impact throughout the social services industry but which, until now, has not been fully explored by academicians inside or outside the social welfare field. Efficiency and the Social Services is dedicated to promoting the idea of efficiency as a fundamental standard in the social services. This thought-provoking volume presents a serious treatment of the subject from the diverse range of viewpoints of twelve authoritative contributors whose areas of concentration include economics, history, political science, public administration, and social welfare.

This fascinating book is a detailed and multi-faceted discussion committed to creating an interest in the efficiency concept. The first two chapters present for the first time a strongly argued case for applying efficiency to the social services. Subsequent chapters discuss the issue of conceptualizing and measuring unit costs, efficiency from the perspective of political culture, and the rich history of efficiency in social welfare. The possible negative aspects of efficiency are even covered in an examination of the distortions and problems that can result in attempting to make the social services efficient. This insightful book’s serious approach and detailed presentations will spark interest in further development of the concept of efficiency among practicing administrators and academics in the welfare and social services fields.