COMMUNITY WORK METHODS

COMMUNITY WORK METHODS

The methods are defined in terms of 2
ends: Directive/Non-Directive
Directive Methods:
Main decisions are taken by officials or
leaders in council-programs and policies are
worked out on this basis
The NB characteristic is imposition as
opposed to self-determination
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Active participation is only limited to small

committees or inner official grps

NON-DIRECTIVE METHODS
The method was developed in the 60s by
Batten
Main characteristic: Decision and action
taken by the members of the grp
themselves
The emphasis is on self-determination
The group identifies its own needs, makes its
own plans and works by self-help to their
realization
The com wker is only an enabler and not a
director/manager
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DIRECTIVE METHODS
How it works

Under this method, agency can be govt or

non-govt
The agency is responsible for identifying need
for com wk
They send their professionals on field-soc
wker, soc psychologist, devt planner,
sociologist
After identifying the com needs (using
scientific techniques), the com's awareness
and motivation is analyzed

DIRECTIVE METHODS part 2

A plan is elaborated based on the findings
Note: The wker needs to develop techniques
to gain acceptance in the com and gain their
trust
Under this method, IEC campaigns are used
to boost the interest of people

CRITICISMS OF DIRECTIVE METHODS

No self-determination
It is argued that professionals cannot be more
aware of the com's needs than the members
themselves

Little participation on the part of people

No bond to maintain participation as a result
of lack of interest

'We' feeling emerge

This type of project is very expensive
Lots of money is spent on professionals
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CRITICISMS OF DIRECTIVE METHODS

Limited opportunity for the human factor
Too target-oriented and concerned with
material progress

POINT IN FAVOUR OF DIRECTIVE

METHODS
Lay people do not possess the 'know-how'
Risks of mistake and loss of confidence in
themselves

Sets official priorities

Accountability

DEGREE OF DIRECTIVE METHOD

Very strongly directive
Channeling
Whatever felt needs, the thinking of the com is
channeled in a very narrow selective way

Directive
Funneling (definition: to concentrate/ focus)
Still directed but a no of ideas are left to the people

Mildly directive
Scanning
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A no of possibilities are open- people are asked to

choose a project that the com wker will direct

NON-DIRECTIVE METHODS

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The main objective is to strengthen

people's capacity
People are involved in the process of
bettering their social, economic and
cultural conditions
A tool for social mobilization
Promotes responsible com
membership/citizenship maturity
Works with small grps

BATTEN'S VIEW
The creation of discontent leads to
motivation, from not being aware to
awareness, which teach to want, and want
leading to action
Note:This is a time-consuming approach

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DEBATES ABOUT THE METHODS

Batten defends the non-directive methods
To him, it is a matter of principle and practice

His main criticism towards directive

method;
In the long run, it is counter productive

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Needs are inappropriately assessed

Wrong focus
Inappropriate actions
Locals have no say and do not feel part of the
project

CRITICISMS TO THE NON-DIRECTIVE

METHODS
In unequal societies, to be non-directive
without raising issues of inequality and
oppression, reinforces the status-quo
(Filkin & Naish: 1982)

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NON-DIRECTIVE METHODS STRENGTH

Capacity for collaboration, co-operation
and teamwork
People get to be mobilized, organized, to
overcome many of the problems
Note: Requires fine tuning of the org

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STAGES OF NON-DIRECTIVE METHODS

Stage formulation of grps/com
Passive-some vague feeling of unrest,
discontent, but no fixed idea of needs
The com wker stimulates debates through
questions to get a focus-be an attentive listener

Awareness of some needs and problems

Make people think about action and what they
want to do

Awareness of priority actions

Initiate debates, discussion, and make them
realize nothing will happen unless they start action

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STAGES OF NON-DIRECTIVE METHODS -part2

Create a pressure to take action

Decision in favor or against action-thru
newsletter, media, debates
Decision to act: plan and organize

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CONDITIONS FOR NON-DIRECTIVE

METHODS TO EVOLVE
Batten: Discontent of the felt needs must
be very intense and widespread
There must be pressure
The com is made aware that something
will get done when they act
Com must have access to resources/ the
actions are facilitated
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ADVANTAGES FOR NON-DIRECTIVE

METHODS
Creates a responsible participative
citizenship
Strengthens com cohesion
Provides opportunities to influence and
educate people
People tend to do more with limited
resources
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At the same time, people work at their own

pace

DISADVANTAGES FOR NON-DIRECTIVE

METHODS
Com wker may lose grip of the direction of
projects
There is no guaranty that people will act
rightly in accordance with what is logical
Need to report and monitor progress

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