The Computerization of Human Service Agencies: A Critical Appraisal

(Hardback)

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This work serves as an introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of using computers to improve the delivery of social services. Though many practitioners believe that computerization dehumanizes clients and should be avoided, John Murphy and John Pardeck demonstrate how, through a holistic approach to computer use, this problem, and others like it, can be averted. By providing practitioners the opportunity to sharpen their conceptual skills in computer technology, this book promotes a rational understanding of the possible uses and limitations of computers in social service agencies. Unlike other technically-oriented works in this field, Murphy and Pardeck's work focuses on the philosophical justification of computer use, along with the conceptual or symbolic nature of computerization. They fully illustrate how to create the organizational conditions necessary for computers to improve social-service delivery, and they do so in a manner that is easily accessible for both general classroom and professional use. Among the topics addressed are the technolgical world-view, Western philosophy, and knowledge; computer mediated therapy; ethical issues related to computerized service delivery; and construction of a socially responsible technology. This work should be an important resource for courses in computer applications, policy analysis and social service administration, as well as a useful reference source for human service agencies and practitioners. Public and academic libraries may also find it to be a valuable addition to their collections.

Reviews

A creditable addition to the literature of an area that has been given minimal attention as it relates to human service organizations. Murphy and Pardeck approach the use of computers from both a philosophical and a technological perspective. An important focus of the book is on the question of values as applied to the computerization of social service delivery. This focus is reflected throughout several of the chapters, which include the technological worldview: Western philosophy and knowledge; computer-mediated therapy; ethical issues related to computerized service delivery; and the construction of a socially responsible technology. The authors have also attempted to treat the subject in a practical, nonthreatening manner. Includes a selected, annotated bibliography and a general index. A valuable resource for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for practicing human service professionals.-Choice
"A creditable addition to the literature of an area that has been given minimal attention as it relates to human service organizations. Murphy and Pardeck approach the use of computers from both a philosophical and a technological perspective. An important focus of the book is on the question of values as applied to the computerization of social service delivery. This focus is reflected throughout several of the chapters, which include the technological worldview: Western philosophy and knowledge; computer-mediated therapy; ethical issues related to computerized service delivery; and the construction of a socially responsible technology. The authors have also attempted to treat the subject in a practical, nonthreatening manner. Includes a selected, annotated bibliography and a general index. A valuable resource for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for practicing human service professionals."-Choice

Author Bio

JOHN W. MURPHY is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Miami. Among the many books he has written are Postmodernism Social Analysis and Criticism (Greenwood Press, 1989) and, with John T. Pardeck, Technology and Human Productivity (Greenwood, 1986). JOHN T. PARDECK is Professor of Social Work at Southeast Missouri State University. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Technology and Human Productivity (Greenwood Press, 1986), Books for Early Childhood: A Developmental Perspective (Greenwood, 1986), and Young People with Problems: A Guide to Bibliotherapy (Greenwood, 1984).