Changing Hats While Managing Change

From Social Work Practice to Administration, 2nd Edition

As with the first edition of Changing Hats in 1990, this new book fills a gap in
social work literature by providing a critical bridge of philosophy and information between the differing scopes of responsibility of the social work practitioner and the social work administrator. New sections and expanded materials contemporize and strengthen the book and its impact on social work. This text should be required reading in an introductory course on social work administration on the graduate level. Interweaving classical and up-to-date references with case examples effortlessly, it provides the reader with a theory-in-action perspective. I applaud the work of Perlmutter and Crook. In an era of intensifying responsibilities coupled with diminishing extrinsic rewards for administrative positions, this excellent work presents a realistic and achievable picture. I, who “changed hats” over a decade ago, say thank you.

Darlyne Bailey, PhD

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Teachers College, Columbia University

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Many books on administrative practice are written for those who are taking a course in administration or who are already administrators. Changing Hats while Managing Change, unlike any other book I know of, explores the dimensions and issues of an administrative career before making this important decision. It presents a balanced discussion of sometimes very complex and difficult problems. situations, and dilemmas, with the section on ethics a particularly important contribution to the social work profession. Well-written, clear, and straightforward, Changing Hats is a timely and important foundational book for those interested in becoming an administrator in the social welfare sector today.

Catherine Alter, PhD

Dean and Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver