Contracting in social work supervision

Abstract

Contracting is a fundamental aspect of social work supervision. Supervision without sufficient or proper contracting can become ineffective. Therefore, if contracting is not properly applied in practice, it can undermine the effective implementation of social work supervision. In view of the above, the goal of this study was to explore the nature and role of contracting in social work supervision in the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). The research question stemming from the goal of the study was: What is the nature and the role of contracting in social work supervision in the SANDF? A qualitative, explorative study was conducted, with the following objectives:  To determine the nature and the role of contracting in social work supervision by conducting a literature study on the topic.  To conduct an empirical study to explore the nature and role of contracting in social work supervision in the SANDF.  To propose recommendations and guidelines regarding the implementation of contracting in social work supervision in the SANDF. All the supervisors and social workers in the Tshwane Metropolitan Region (Pretoria) of the SANDF formed the sample for the study. After the conclusion of a literature study and pilot study, data collection was based on semi-structured interviews with supervisors and focus group interviews with supervisees. The main conclusions drawn from the research findings were that contracting in social work supervision plays an important role in the SANDF and [that supervision] is viewed as a building block towards both personal and professional development. Although supervisors seem to have knowledge and understanding of the nature and role of contracting in social work supervision, supervisees seem to be unsure about certain aspects involved in such contracting. The study indicated a need for the generation of more in-depth literature on contracting in social work supervision and an enrichment of the theoretical base thereof. The study was concluded by relevant recommendations to the SANDF.