In their text, Dimensions of Human Behavior: An Introduction to Group Work Practice, Ronald Toseland and Robert Rivas (2017) feature the work of various scholars. While these scholars explore a wide range of topics, they are all joined by their purpose of exploring human behavior. Some of the scholars examine the impact that families have on human development and behavior whereas others shed light on the role that communities play in promoting wellbeing. Elizabeth Hutchison is among the scholars who contributed to the text. She addresses some of the most intriguing topics in the text. Offered below are summaries of two chapters that Hutchison authored.
Chapter 7
The primary focus of this chapter is the impact that the physical environment has on the wellbeing of individuals. To set the stage, Hutchison begins with a personal account of an individual whose interaction with the environment was altered after he sustained serious injuries (Hutchison, 2017). Through this narrative, Hutchison manages to underscore the importance of being able to engage with one’s environment. This narrative also enables Hutchison to challenge her readers to recognize the importance of the environment. When one is able to interact with the environment without any hindrance, they experience optimal satisfaction. Hutchison then proceeds to offer some background insights into the link between human behavior and the physical environment. Here, she recognizes the various scholars drawn from different fields who have concluded that one’s physical environment has a significant impact on their behavior (Hutchison, 2017). Among the key issues that she raises in her introduction is that a robust physical environment contributes to human health. Hutchison recognizes the evolution that housing has undergone as she seeks to show how the physical environment shapes human behavior. She notes that there have been efforts to provide people with decent housing so as to promote their wellbeing (Hutchison, 2017). Hutchison’s introduction effectively captures the indispensability of a physical environment devoid of hazards.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
With the stage for her discussion set, Hutchison proceeds to shed light on the different theories that have been advanced to account for the relationship between the physical environment and human behavior. Among the models that she addresses are stimulation theories (Hutchison, 2017). Hutchison notes that the basic premise of these theories is that the physical environment influences the level of an individual’s wellbeing through sensory stimulation. According to Hutchison, the stimulation that individuals experience during their interactions with the physical environment has an impact on their emotional states, health and their thought processes (Hutchison, 2017). She adds that individual wellbeing suffers when people are exposed to extremely high amounts of stimulation. In order to facilitate health and wellness, the physical environment should provide stimulation in moderate amounts. Hutchison advises that individuals should modify their environment so as to experience healthy and appropriate levels of stimulation
Control theories are another model that Hutchison explores in the chapter. Essentially, these theories hold that individuals have a natural desire to gain mastery and control over their environments (Hutchison, 2017). This means that people take steps to modify their environments so that the environments can serve their needs better. The desire for privacy and the lengths that individuals go to secure their personal space are among the key concepts that the control theories address. According to these theories, most individuals cherish their privacy (Hutchison, 2017). Hutchison provides the example of the erection of walls and partitions as evidence of the critical role that privacy plays in human lives. She notes that as societies become more complex, the function that privacy serves will become even more critical. Another important matter that Hutchison addresses is the dilemma that employers face as they try to balance the need for privacy and the importance of open and unhindered communication among employees (Hutchison, 2017). Personal space and how such factors as age influence the amount of space that individuals carve out for themselves are other issues that receive special attention. The control theories indicate that personal space is closely linked to wellbeing. Hutchison’s discussion of the control theories enable readers to reflect on the extent of control that individuals wield over their physical environments. As Hutchison states in the chapter, such emerging trends as technologies are redefining human understanding of the level of control that individuals can exert.
Behavioral settings and ecocritical theories are other models that Hutchison discusses in great detail. The behavioral settings theories are primarily concerned with how human behavior varies from one environment to another. Hutchison says that when they are placed in the same environmental setting, individuals are likely to behave in the same fashion (Hutchison, 2017). This insight is vital for employers. For example, if an employer wishes to promote productivity and performance among all their employees, they could simply establish an environment that delivers comfort while promoting hardwork and collaboration among the employees. One of the most important insights that can be gained through the behavioral settings theory is that when individuals are guaranteed that their behavior is not being monitored, they are likely to bury their inhibitions (Hutchison, 2017). For example, Hutchison observes that people tend to silence their inhibitions when in online chat rooms as their conduct in these rooms is not scrutinized. Essentially, the behavioral settings theory suggests that human behavior can be shaped by modifying the physical environment.
As noted above, ecocritical theories are some of the models that Hutchison discusses as part of her efforts to establish the association between human behavior and the physical environment. The basic provision that underlies these theories is that all the elements that make up the physical world are related in some way (Hutchison, 2017). These theories also posit that humans do not possess greater value than other objects or organisms that inhabit the physical environment. The aim of these theories is to encourage mankind to be selfless and to take steps to secure the wellbeing of other objects in the environment (Hutchison, 2017). Hutchison contends that mankind has an obligation to adopt an ecological approach in his interactions with the environment. Humans should institute all necessary steps to insulate the environment against damage.
Having discussed the different theories, Hutchison moves on to explore the natural environment and the function that it serves in safeguarding human wellness. She begins by noting that for most people, the natural environment is a source of comfort, serenity and calmness. Hutchison then proceeds to offer a long list of the benefits that individuals enjoy through their interactions with the natural environment. Fueling the interest and imagination of children, promoting physical activity and fitness, and enhancing creativity are some of these benefits (Hutchison, 2017). Other advantages of spending time in the natural environment include improved cognitive function among individuals ailing from conditions which impair this function, strengthening immunity, offering relaxation and calmness, and bolstering community and harmony (Hutchison, 2017). The many advantages that Hutchison lists indicate that the natural environment is an indispensable component of human wellbeing. In recognizing need to conserve the environment, Hutchison urges readers to be advocates of environmental justice. They should lobby policymakers and take individual initiatives to secure the natural environment against destruction.
The built environment is among the numerous topics that Hutchison discusses at length. This environment refers to the structures that do not occur naturally but have instead been erected by humans. Hutchison talks about the work of scholars who have strived to establish the effect that the built environment has on the human experience (Hutchison, 2017). She confirms that research has confirmed that the built environment has significant impacts on such aspects of human health as emotions and moods. This research insight has transformed how structures are being built. Today, tremendous focus is being placed on designing spaces that have a therapeutic impact. Modern spaces facilitate interaction, reduce violence, and promote alertness (Hutchison, 2017). The evolution that these spaces are undergoing shows that research has real-world implications. Technologies and how they can be leveraged to enhance wellness is the issue that Hutchison addresses next. She notes that technologies can be modified and tailored to suit needs. For example, as Hutchison makes clear, assistive technologies are being used to improve the wellbeing and experiences of individuals with disabilities. The need to design urban environments with human health in mind is also explored. According to Hutchison, those charged with designing urban spaces need to integrate elements that have been shown to have a positive impact on wellness (Hutchison, 2017). Hutchison concludes the chapter with an overview of the challenges being faces today and the interventions that can be implemented to address the challenges. Homelessness and accessibility for disabled individuals are some of these challenges. Hutchison calls for concerted efforts to provide the homeless with shelter and to create structures which accommodate the unique needs and hardships experienced by the disabled.
Chapter 12
In this chapter, Hutchison discusses formal organizations. As is the case with chapter 7, she begins this chapter with a narrative aimed at underscoring the main themes that the chapter addresses. Through this narrative, Hutchison highlights the importance of organizations seeking the involvement of their customers in citizenship initiatives. This narrative serves as the perfect backdrop to the questions that Hutchison provides answers to throughout the chapter. Acting wisely, Hutchison focuses on the definition of formal organizations in her introduction. She defines formal organizations as groups of people who have established guidelines that guide their pursuit of common goals and a shared agenda (Hutchison, 2015).
Hutchison follows her introduction with an overview of theoretical perspectives that shed light on the structure, function and dynamics of formal organizations. Exchange and choice perspective is among those that Hutchison addresses (Hutchison, 2015). The essence of this perspective is that organizations are efficient entities which have embraced rationality in their quest to achieve their goals, mission and strategies. Systems and conflict are other perspectives that Hutchison integrates into her discussion. Essentially, the systems perspective recognizes how both the internal and the external environment shape the performance of formal organizations. On the other hand, the conflict perspective captures the fact that organizations are forced to balance conflicting interests (Hutchison, 2015). Managers and owners of capital pursue profits at the expense of the wellbeing their employees. By discussing the different perspectives, Hutchison challenges readers to understand that formal organizations are complex bodies whose performance is determined by a wide range of factors.
With the perspectives used to understand formal organizations fully addressed, Hutchison proceeds to tackle the various theoretical models that have been proposed to explain how organizations function. The ideal-type bureaucracy is among these frameworks. According to this theoretical model, organizations should leverage bureaucratic management as they seek to achieve higher efficiency levels (Hutchison, 2015). With its roots in Marxist philosophies, the ideal-type bureaucracy also emphasizes the establishment of formal guidelines by which all individuals are required to abide and the importance of regulation. Scientific management is another model that underlies organizational performance. Hutchison identifies some of the beliefs and premises that constitute the scientific management theory. The premises include the belief that firms should adopt scientific approaches when recruiting workers and that training should be offered (Hutchison, 2015). This theory also posits that managers should keep a close eye on employees to guarantee performance and that the workers should not challenge the power or authority of top leaders to make managerial decisions.
Human relations and management by objectives (MBO) are other theories on which Hutchison sheds light. These theories are vastly different. On the one hand, the human relations theory embraces a humanist perspective in its take on how firms should treat employees (Hutchison, 2015). This theory urges organizations to invest in the wellness and fulfilment of their employees even as they pursue efficiency and profits. On the other hand, the MBO theory argues that organizations should disregard all else and instead focus all their energies and resources on their objectives (Hutchison, 2015). This theory encourages an “at-all-cost” approach to the pursuit of profit. Hutchison’s text is enlightening as it describes the different perspectives and models that organizations adopt in the management of their affairs. The main take-away from the text is that organizations have various perspectives that they can use to balance the different interests that they are expected to serve.
It is true that Hutchison focus much of her discussion on the theories that form the basis of organizational operations. She must have understood that the discussion would be incomplete without a section on the challenges that organizations are confronted with in the modern operating environment. Burnout is among these challenges (Hutchison, 2015). Hutchison presents burnout as a serious problem that threatens organizational growth and has adverse effects on employee wellbeing. Among the negative outcomes resulting from burnout include absenteeism, disruptions, conflicts among employees, and poor performance, among many others (Hutchison, 2015). As Hutchison points out, burnout has several sources. They include the failure to reward employees for their effort and commitment, and assigning employees heavy workloads. Hutchison concludes her discussion on burnout with the suggestion that firms should take all necessary steps to shield their employees against burnout.
Social workers are among the groups that Hutchison targets with her text. This can be seen in her exploration of the implications that formal organizations present for social workers. In this section, Hutchison examines the organizations in which social workers operate and the impact that these organizations have on how these practitioners deliver on their mandate (Hutchison, 2015). These organizations can either facilitate or hinder social work. When they provide social work practitioners with the support and resources that they require, the organizations help to advance the profession. On the other hand, organizations which expose the practitioners to stressors contribute to the decline of the profession. Hutchison makes it clear that social workers are not at the mercy of their organizations. They have the power and authority to influence change and to exercise leadership. For example, Hutchison advises these practitioners to leverage technology in serving populations and to take on leadership challenges (Hutchison, 2015). Hutchison also reminds social workers to recognize how cultural sensitivity enables organizations to better attend to the needs of diverse populations. In her conclusion, she reiterates the importance of diversity, training, open communication, and organizations extending their services across different cultures. Other issues that make up the conclusion include relentless efforts to build networks, learning and training for employees, and the need for organizations to invest in outreach programs (Hutchison, 2015). Overall, through this chapter, Hutchison identifies the interventions and solutions that formal organizations can adopt as they seek to enhance service delivery. More importantly, she charges social workers to play a leading role in transforming how organizations operate. These practitioners should develop a burning desire for improved service delivery and should focus their efforts on marginalized communities that have traditionally been under-served.
References
Hutchison, E. D. (2017). Chapter 7. The physical environment. In Dimensions of human behavior. Person and environment. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
In this chapter, Hutchison analyzes the relationship between wellbeing and the physical environment. Through the chapter, she makes it clear that one’s wellbeing is dictated by the state of their environment. Hutchison also calls for action to protect the environment and challenges organizations to establish environments which enhance the welfare of their employees. The fact that this chapter relies heavily on research is its main strength. It will enrich the discussion on the importance of the environment.
Hutchison, E. D. (2015). Chapter 12. Formal organizations. In Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Pearson.
Hutchison dedicates this chapter to an examination of the dynamics of formal organizations. She discusses how firms operate and identifies the factors that shape the operations. Hutchison also sheds light on such issues as burnout and outlines proposals whose implementation allows firms to tackle these issues. The scope of this chapter lends it credibility and usefulness. By adopting the insights that Hutchison shares, firms can align their structures and systems in a way that promotes productivity and employee wellbeing.
