The Task-Centered Approach
The task-centered approach simply means a goal-oriented and progressive approach to social work advancement. It consists of a practice-based strategy based on significant research whose findings are utilized in many scopes of social action aiming at eradicating some of the difficulties encountered by societal members (Corrullo 2013, p.17). According to Trevithick (2005, p. 105), the task-centered approach varies from other types of interventions in that it is not dependent on knowledge; rather, it depends on the execution of specified tasks to achieve a set of desired outcomes within a set amount of time (Trevithick 2005, p. 106). It can also be deemed as a form of social work whereby the clients are shown how to implement tasks that are aimed at reducing some problems over time. Payne is of the opinion that problems may arise from everyday practices (that one might be intending to change) or even from unacceptable desires (Payne 2005, p. 54). Under this model, the clients receive some instructions (whether indirect or direct) that they follow to achieve the expected results (Ellis 2014, p. 213). One of the key advantages of the task-centered approach is that it dictates that the anticipated goals are met within a set time limit (Cormier & Cormier 1979, p. 10). Nevertheless, the approach also has some disadvantages key among them being the possible occurrence of a mismatch between the client and the social worker. Consequently, the task-centered approach has also received a lot of criticism from some scholars who have pointed out that the model cannot be universally used. Thus, its scope of application is limited. Also, the critics have also noted that the model can only be used in eradicating problems that require the use of some practical skills.
Advantages of the Task-Centered Approach
One of the benefits of the task-centered approach is that special attention is accorded to the client, whereby he/she is assisted in incorporating the learned knowledge in solving problems. By doing so, the model plays an integral role in promoting the client’s self-confidence and hope, hence, enabling the societal members to learn with ease. Marsh and Doel (2005, p. 4) are of the opinion that the application of the task-centered approach calls for a lot of motivation and focus that enhances one to develop the required skills. Under the task-centered approach, a social worker assists a client to articulate given issues to enable him/her to identify the cause of the problem (Healy 2014, p. 12). After doing so, the social worker narrows down the problem (by breaking it down) with an objective of assisting the client to point out the areas that require immediate attention. For instance, in doing so, the social worker can encourage the clients to prioritize their issues in a favorable order that would be significant in assisting them to identify the genesis of the problem. Another advantage of the model is that the set time limits – whereby one is expected to have achieved some desired goals – play an integral role in enhancing the expectations of the client (Hepworth & Larson 2006, p. 43). Therefore, the time limits also make participants more motivated (determined) to achieve the anticipated results within the approximated time limits. A third advantage of the task-centered approach is that it encourages teamwork between the social workers and the societal members. By working as a team, all the parties involved are in a position to make sure that their efforts are geared towards making sure that the problem at hand is alleviated.
Disadvantages of the Task-Centered Approach
However, the task-centered approach is also marred by many difficulties principal among them being the possibility of a mismatch between the client’s and the social worker’s perceptions (Payne 2005, p. 11). In some instances, the client might not be willing to divulge a lot of information about his/her predicament, hence, making the social worker base his/her reasoning on a limited scope of information. Besides, there may also arise a mismatch between the social worker’s instructions and how the client perceives the instructions (Ganta 2015, p. 33). Whenever a mismatch occurs, then it becomes quite difficult for the desired outcomes to be achieved. Another limitation might arise in cases whereby the task the learner has to undergo turns out to be difficult, hence, making it impossible for the client to complete it (Reid & Epstein 1977, p. 123). In such a case, the client would not be in a position to undergo the stipulated steps that would enhance the eradication of the identified problem; thus, the desired objectives would not be achieved.
Criticisms of the Task-Centered Approach
Despite the various advantages posed by the task-centered approach in alleviating problems from the societal members, the model has been met with opposition from some critics. Higham (2006, p. 65) notes that the design is simplistic, which means its scope of application is limited; hence, it is not a universal means of solving problems. Also, Payne argues that the model should not be applied in solving every kind of problem, more so ongoing psychological problems (Higham 2006, p. 66). The critics also claim that the application of the model calls for careful negotiations (between the social worker and the client) whose primary objective is to make sure that all the measures required are adopted as needed. However, even after such talks have taken place, the agreement (usually in written form) cannot be used as a binding agreement between the signatories. Therefore, the agreement does not cite the party that should be held accountable in case the implementation of the model is not done correctly, hence, making it impossible for the anticipated objectives to be achieved.
Conclusion
To sum it all, the task-centered approach is based on the need to get rid of the problems affecting the members of society. The model emphasizes the early identification of the problem the client would be willing to get rid of, the steps that should be followed in countering the problem, and an agreed time frame (Schachter 2013, p. 105). From the assertions above, it is also evident that this method can only be used in solving problems that require practical tasks as the means of intervention (Watson & West 2006, p. 74), hence the reason why it has been met with some criticism. The task-centered approach calls for a close relationship between the social worker and the client whereby the social worker is mandated to make sure the client follows the right process in getting rid of the noted problem (Teater 2014, p. 23). One of the key advantages of the model is that the customer is accorded special attention to make sure that he/she follows all the right steps in getting rid of a given problem. On the other hand, the approach is also marred with some disadvantages as a mismatch of information between the social worker and the client might arise.
References
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