Practising with the Human Needs Concept: Insights on Why Frontline Social Workers in Uganda Use the Concept

Senkosi Moses Balyejjusa; Silverno Tweshengyereze; Carl Lewis Kabanda; Arthur Munyirwa

doi:10.25159/2708-9355/20337

Authors

Senkosi Moses Balyejjusa Kyambogo University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7121-0855
Silverno Tweshengyereze Kyambogo University
Carl Lewis Kabanda Kyambogo University
Arthur Munyirwa Kyambogo University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9002-6803

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/20337

Keywords:

human needs, social work practice, frontline social workers, social agency, social work clients, social work practice in Uganda

Abstract

Although the human needs concept is very common in social work literature, there is limited empirical research on its actual practical application during social work practice. The aim of this study was to find out why frontline social workers in selected districts in central Uganda use the human needs concept during social work practice. A semi-structured qualitative research approach was used, using a qualitative epistemological and a phenomenological design. Data were collected from 27 purposively selected frontline social workers using a focus group discussion and semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found that frontline social workers use the human needs concept during social work practice because it enables them to align with: a) the social work profession’s core mandate, b) the mission statements of the respective employing social agencies and c) the clients’ presenting concerns. The study concludes that the human needs concept plays a facilitative role during social work practice, by enabling frontline social workers to align with the needs of key systems engaged in social work practice (the profession, social agencies and clients).

Author Biographies

Senkosi Moses Balyejjusa, Kyambogo University

Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Kyambogo University

Silverno Tweshengyereze, Kyambogo University

Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Kyambogo University

Carl Lewis Kabanda, Kyambogo University

Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Kyambogo University

Arthur Munyirwa, Kyambogo University

MSW Student Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Kyambogo University

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