| Abstract [eng] |
Master's studies in social work are often chosen by individuals who are already working and seeking to acquire new skills or expand their professional competence. Students working in social work, as well as their professors and employers, often face various challenges, but the benefits of balancing work and studies are also evident. In this study, the challenges faced by students, employers, and professors are examined using the theory of adaptive leadership, which explores actions that help people embrace change, implement it, and create a future that fulfills individuals expectations. The aim of the study is to reveal the advantages and challenges faced by social workers, organizations, and study programs when working and studying simultaneously based on the theory of adaptive leadership. Objectives: (1) based on the concept of adaptive leadership (AL), analyze the reasons influencing a person's choice to grow and improve, (2) reveal the adaptive and technical challenges that arise when balancing work and studies simultaneously, (3) review literature sources that highlight the benefits of combining studies and work and the practical benefits of work in social work studies, (4) by applying the concept of AL theory, explore the advantages, challenges, and solutions that manifest for the social worker, social work organization, and study program when studying and working simultaneously. A qualitative methodology was chosen for the empirical research. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with social workers studying in a master's program in social work, three semi-structured interviews with leaders of social work organizations, and three semi-structured interviews with professors teaching in university social work study programs. The research results indicate that studying and working are beneficial for personal growth, bringing the latest learned knowledge to the workplace and bringing one's work experience to studies. Although studying and working simultaneously pose many challenges, it can be reconciled if the individual feels supported by work supervisors and professors and adopts adaptive leadership to address challenges and improve. |
