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Dissertation Information for Janet Ford

NAME:
- Janet Ford
- (Alias) Janet Patricia Ford

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Social Work

SCHOOL:
- Case Western Reserve University (USA) (1986)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Inspected

Title: DECISION-MAKING IN COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract: Decision-making strategies at four community mental health agencies were classified using a theoretical framework which examined decision-makers' levels of agreement about facts and values in regard to decisions. The objectives of the exploratory study were to identify key decision-makers and their roles in determining program priorities; to describe and classify how priority decisions were made in each agency following a crisis or change period; to identify the predominant values in each agency; and to examine the relationship, if any, between the type of values and the type of decision-making strategies associated with each agency.

The study was exploratory in nature. Information was obtained through review of records and reports at each agency; from structured interviews with decision-makers identified at each agency; and from questionnaires distributed to staff members at each agency. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data was performed to examine the relationship between values and decision-making strategies at each agency.

The analysis revealed few differences among the four agencies. All four agencies appeared to be dependent upon the County Mental Health Board both for service funds and service priorities. None of the agencies appeared to have any real autonomy in regard to program service decisions. The study raised fundamental questions about the adequacy of current decision-making theory as applied to human service agencies and other non-profit, public service agencies. These questions include whether the assumption of autonomy is applicable to this type of agency; whether any of these agencies utilize traditional decision-making strategies; and whether current theory can be modified to examine and explain decision-making processes in these agencies more effectively or should be abandoned in favor of yet-to-be developed theory.

MPACT Scores for Janet Ford

A = 0
C = 1
A+C = 1
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2009-01-28 22:09:46

Advisors and Advisees Graph