Day 19

Finally managed to finish the summary for the FGD of non-service users, as there as so much information to group together for easy reading. Even now I am not sure I managed to include the full richness and depth of the information gathered in the summary - however I think it will have to do as it is afterall just a summary, and for my own reference to make analysis of the data easier.

Now the summary is done I will be able to start on the analysis tomorrow, so I am finally moving on along the schedule. However I am still not entirely sure how to do the analysis - whether I report the findings and make inferences/comment about them, to comment on the implications this might have on the wider population, or just do a simple report. I might have to look at how other reviews and researchers did their analysis to figure out how to go about it. In all likelihood I will have to do a few drafts before being able to submit the final copy. hopefully I will be able to submit the first draft by Wednesday or Thursday.

Miss Peace came for the mid-placement visit today, it was nice seeing her again as typically in school I do not get to meet tutors who are not currently tutoring me (due to busy schedules all around). The visit gave me a lot to think about, particularly how to apply theories into my practise here, and in my reflections. In direct practise, while at times I would have to sit and think about what theories are applicable, it is more straight forward as these theories have to do with the client and the reasons for the client's presenting problems (in assessment), as well as how to best intervene to help the client. However, in an indirect setting, being able to apply theories is more challenging as I am no longer dealing with the client directly, but am instead looking at the client population as a whole within the context of the country's entire population. In fact, the concept of "client" is changed as well, as NCSS not only serves the interests of the public, but also the various VWOs, and as such they can be considered as "clients" as well (perhaps mandatory clients?). However, Miss Peace suggested that I consider theories in relation to the tension between micro and macro practice agencies and practitioners, which is something I have always been aware of but had never actually sat down to think about in terms of theories (it was all about "common sense").

The problem is, however, that as students we do not really learn about such theories in school to deal with power play or the tension between the micro and macro settings and such. We understand that there is this tension, and we know how it comes about, but we do not closely sit down to examine the theories that explain all this tension. I wonder if this is something that the school could consider incorporating into our syllabus, as it might be useful in helping us learn to "deal" with each other when we finally do go into different fields of practise and find ourselves at loggerheads with each other. If we could really understand the theoretical framework and basis of the tension, then we could (as practitioners and supervisors) be able to take a step back, understand the other's point of view, and from there learn to work together in a way that will benefit both sides without having unpleasantries happen.

However, if I were to sit down and think about it, I can easily come up with reasons for this tension and mistrust between micro and macro practitioners. Firstly, there is a perceived lack of transparency on both sides (#1); micro because they want to protect their own interests and their territory, and macro simply because there is often so much red tape (or because they need to keep certain things confidential initially as it will affect the service sector). With this lack of transparency, mistrust develops on both sides, as we are not sure of each others' objectives (#2). Sometimes these objectives are hidden subconsciously, whereas other times they are hidden with an agenda. When we cannot tell what each others' objectives are, we would be loathe to reveal information that the other party asks for, as we do not know if they will use this information against us.

On the micro side, there is often also a feeling of power play (#3) by the macro agencies, as they are typically the ones that hold the key to funding and resources. Thus, micro practise agencies might feel "threatened" or "bullied" or think that the macro agencies are being bullies, when in fact they could simply be doing their job to ensure that services being provided to clients are effective and efficient.

At the end of the day, a lot of it boils down to perceptions and perspectives, which unfortunately are not as easy to change as we like to think they are. It would take a lot of work, openness, being willing to share information, and essentially taking that leap of faith to trust that you are working towards a common goal (to help the service users) for us to begin to change such perceptions and perspectives.