Reflecting on the Course Challenges

In the process of completing this course, I have gained a better grasp of how to negotiate and mediate in human services effectively. In particular, however, this course has helped me understand the competencies and features for effective collaboration in a macro social work environment. While improving my know-how   ­— “how to build and sustain collaborative partnerships for a collective impact effectively” —through research; discussion boards, and coursework materials have offered insights into this context. Besides, Ozanne and Rose’s intriguing book in human service practice; — thanks to other researchers who have made it easier for me to understand this course. 

In this light, one of the most significant learning from this course is that, for human service organizations to succeed and thrive in a macro environment, they must adapt, exploit, and blend with their external settings. In Ozanne and Rose’s view of a human service organization, understanding the context, structure, and environment is critical when assessing the collaborative capacity of an organization in a macro environment (Ozanne & Rose, 2014). Second, since human service organizations are complex, leadership, ideologies, and cultural considerations are critical in building reciprocal relationships in the macro-environment.

Lastly, even though understanding the competencies and features of effective collaboration, overcoming biases, and establishing roles and responsibilities are some of the common challenges likely to affect the efficacy of relationships in a macro environment. In that, biases can be of various forms, which makes it difficult for human service leaders to cope. To sum up, in order to improve my negotiation and mediation skills, I will proactively practice and be ready to make mistakes while learning how to build reciprocal relationships.