Discuss with the use of examples how special influences
have an impact on the professional relationship. Make
specific reference to unknowingness, attitudes,
1
opportunities and conflicts, as described by Johnson and
Yanca, 2010.
Introduction:
There are many special influences within the professional relationship
In interactions with different clients of different cultures will present different
influences
Diversity and ethnic differences are the main causes of the special influences
Gender can also play a role
Mutual Unknowingness:
Lack of knowledge regarding each other’s culture – both client and social
worker
Tendency towards stereotyping
Inappropriate judgements may be made (good or bad)
Social distance often present – may lead to lack in trust and sharing
Lack of knowledge about client’s traditional communication patterns
When we do not understand something we become judgemental and do not
accept clients
Attitude toward the other culture or diversity:
Negative attitudes may develop from limited knowledge about different culture
or diverse group
May also develop from negative experiences with persons who belong to same
culture / ethnic group / diversity group as person that is being dealt with
Availability of different opportunities:
Members of different cultures often have different opportunities
Different backgrounds have different opportunities
If SW doesn’t understand this difference of opportunity it can lead to unrealistic
expectation about how client should use help offered – often don’t have
resources available
,
Can also relate to the use of appropriate resources
Different ethnic groups have different resources available and is traditionally
useful for particular groups
2
Conflicts between societal and cultural expectations:
Often difficult to resolve – as often not aware of these conflicts
Clients can often not identify conflict
Or social worker are not aware of them
Conclusion
Cultural differences has special influences on the professional relationship
These need to be paid attention in order to have a successful interaction
Differences need to be identified and explored in order to obtain sufficient
knowledge about different cultures one may deal with.
have an impact on the professional relationship. Make
specific reference to unknowingness, attitudes,
1
opportunities and conflicts, as described by Johnson and
Yanca, 2010.
Introduction:
There are many special influences within the professional relationship
In interactions with different clients of different cultures will present different
influences
Diversity and ethnic differences are the main causes of the special influences
Gender can also play a role
Mutual Unknowingness:
Lack of knowledge regarding each other’s culture – both client and social
worker
Tendency towards stereotyping
Inappropriate judgements may be made (good or bad)
Social distance often present – may lead to lack in trust and sharing
Lack of knowledge about client’s traditional communication patterns
When we do not understand something we become judgemental and do not
accept clients
Attitude toward the other culture or diversity:
Negative attitudes may develop from limited knowledge about different culture
or diverse group
May also develop from negative experiences with persons who belong to same
culture / ethnic group / diversity group as person that is being dealt with
Availability of different opportunities:
Members of different cultures often have different opportunities
Different backgrounds have different opportunities
If SW doesn’t understand this difference of opportunity it can lead to unrealistic
expectation about how client should use help offered – often don’t have
resources available
,
Can also relate to the use of appropriate resources
Different ethnic groups have different resources available and is traditionally
useful for particular groups
2
Conflicts between societal and cultural expectations:
Often difficult to resolve – as often not aware of these conflicts
Clients can often not identify conflict
Or social worker are not aware of them
Conclusion
Cultural differences has special influences on the professional relationship
These need to be paid attention in order to have a successful interaction
Differences need to be identified and explored in order to obtain sufficient
knowledge about different cultures one may deal with.
