Reference no: EM133065454
Question: The main difference between managing human service organizations compared to managing a business, is that human service organization management is primarily done with the goal in mind of providing a support or service to a specific population of people. Managing a business on the other hand, in my opinion, moreso prioritizes financial goals and monetary growth. Human service organizations also are typically aimed at meeting the need of a specific population, which requires constant evaluation and assessment to make adjustments to better meet the need identified need, whereas management of a business often focuses more on the growth of the identified product or service itself.
Although there are clearly differences in the missions and goals of human service organizations and businesses, there are many similarities in the skills, attitudes, and body of knowledge that are required by each to be efficient. Management of human service organizations requires more of a presence in the community, and related communication and relationship skills to strengthen ties with the community (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, 2012).
Business management also requires similar communication and relationship skills, as well knowledge regarding boundaries and professionalism. Necessary for both are managerial skills that promote inclusion, collaboration, organization/business growth and success, time management, work-life balance, and employee value and appreciation.
Brimhall & Barak (2018), state that within the next ten years, the workforce will become increasingly diverse, seen that one in 5 American's will be of a racial or ethnic minority background. This means that there will be an even greater need for human service organizations to "channel diversity into beneficial outcomes," as a key factor during program development and management (Brimhall & Barak, 2018). Studies show that fostering innovation begins with creating an environment of inclusion, which ultimately would lead to improved quality of services and life (Brimhall & Barak, 2018).
For me personally, I would love to better understand how to promote workplace diversity, in a way that is culturally sensitive, inclusive, and welcoming to all ethnicities and backgrounds. Not only would such skills positively impact the services provided themselves, but they would also increase job satisfaction and quality of life for the employees (Brimhall & Barak, 2018).