Suchergebnisse

For passive representation to translate into active representation, bureaucrats must have discretion. Despite its importance to representative bureaucracy theory, though, discretion has received little empirical attention in public administration. We seek to address this shortcoming by examining the determinants of bureaucratic discretion, paying particular attention to how the demographic characteristics of clients and bureaucrats interact to influence the amount of discretion that individual bureaucrats possess. Specifically, we examine whether the amount of discretion that minority bureaucrats have is positively related to the percentage of an organization's clients who are from the same minority group. We argue that there are three reasons to expect a positive relationship: client demand, managerial deference to bureaucratic expertise, and bureaucratic appropriation. Our findings suggest that a positive relationship exists for African American bureaucrats, but not for Hispanic bureaucrats.

AbstractChanges in the world of technology have enabled banks to use new channels for distribution of banking services to its clients. With the appearance of of smart phones, WEB mobile banking is developed,and it provides a possibility for greater integration between the bank and the client. WEB mobile banking is increasingly gaining in importance, especially in developed countries, while this process in our country is much slower. The aim of this paper is to point out the benefits that WEB mobile banking offer to users, but also to point out its weak presence in the Nisava District and Serbia in general. Also the identification of the main reasons forweak presence of mobile banking in our region, aims to point out in which way can in the future this banking be quickly disseminated among users. In order to achieve the defined objectives, the authors used descriptive method, method of compilation, comparison, deduction and induction and statistical method which is used for testing of independence between variables and calculation of coefficient of contingency.

An encoding approach was designed to track developmentally disabled clients through a continuum of services in a service delivery system. Exact matching offiles is ofprimary importance, as data files are linked together and used in decisions regarding client service plans. After four years of use, the reliability of the encoding system was evaluated and found to be an effective means of tracking clients through a service delivery system.

Objective: The aim was to reflect upon the participation of nursing with the client, focusing the prevention of pressure ulcers. Method: A descriptive study approaching pressure ulcer, which has become a serious public health car issue that demands public prevention policies. Results: The importance of client's evaluation and the preventive care based on recommendations from public entities and results from scientific production is presented, aiming at risk-free care for the physical, mental and spiritual integrity of the cliente and for the nursing professional. Conclusion: To sum up, it is indispensible to implement structured and organized edcational programs that are comprehensive and directed to all levels of health care service. The qualification of the professionals will enable the acquisition of resources, aiming at a health care assistance compatible with human dignity and for the professional that is vulnerable to criticism and judicial action.

Too often, career counseling is associated with objective test scores and rational decision making. The purpose of this article is to reiterate the importance of considering the client's developing self‐concept in career counseling.

Fifty-one adolescents and adults with a variety of visual impairments were interviewed to determine their preference for different labels used to describe them. Participants were asked to choose among labels that state the disability before the person ("the visually handicapped person") and labels that state the person before the disability ("the person with a visual impairment"). Results showed no statistically significant preference. Reasons provided by participants for their preference were characterized and presented thematically. The importance of stressing abilities and needs to be treated as normal were the most common reasons given by the participants for their selections. Participants who chose the person-first labels cited these reasons more often than those who chose the disability-first labels.

Acculturation to U.S. culture by Latinos and Asian Americans has been associated with increased prevalence of substance abuse. However, little is known about the association between acculturation and substance use among Arab Americans, or more specifically, among Arab-American treatment clients. In 156 Arab-American male treatment clients, we found that higher levels of U.S. acculturation were positively associated with increased prevalence of polysubstance abuse. This first report on a large series of Arab-American clients also found considerable within-group variability. These results can be used to develop treatment plans and work-force training on the importance of U.S. acculturation and variability within Arab Americans.

© 2015 American Psychological Association. Objective: This study evaluated whether sexual orientation-specific differences in substance use behaviors exist among adults entering substance abuse treatment. Method: Admissions records (July 2007-December 2009) were examined for treatment programs in San Francisco, California receiving government funding. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons (n =1,441) were compared to heterosexual persons (n = 11,770) separately by sex, examining primary problem substance of abuse, route of administration, age of first use, and frequency of use prior to treatment. Results: Regarding bisexual males, the only significant finding of note was greater prevalence of methamphetamine as the primary substance of abuse. When compared to heterosexual men, gay and bisexual men evidenced greater rates of primary problem methamphetamine use (44.5% and 21.8%, respectively, vs. 7.7%, adjusted odds ratios [ORs] 6.43 and 2.94), and there was lower primary heroin use among gay men (9.3% vs. 25.8%, OR 0.35). Among LGB individuals, race and ethnicity did not predict primary problem substance, except that among LGB men and women, a non-White race predicted cocaine use (OR 4.83 and 6.40, respectively), and among lesbian and bisexual women, Hispanic ethnicity predicted lower odds of primary cocaine use (OR 0.24). When compared to heterosexual men, gay men were more likely to smoke their primary problem substance (OR 1.61), first used this substance at an older age (M =23.16 vs. M =18.55, p <.001), and used this substance fewer days prior to treatment (M =8.75 vs. M =11.41, p .001). There were no differences between heterosexual and lesbian or bisexual women. Conclusions: There were unique patterns of substance use for gay and bisexual men entering substance abuse treatment, but women did not evidence differences. Gay men evidenced unique factors that may reflect less severity of use when entering treatment including fewer days of use and a later age of initiation of their primary problem substances. The results underscore the importance of being sensitive to differences between gay, bisexual, and heterosexual males when considering substance use disorders.

ObjectiveThis study evaluated whether sexual orientation-specific differences in substance use behaviors exist among adults entering substance abuse treatment.MethodAdmissions records (July 2007-December 2009) were examined for treatment programs in San Francisco, California receiving government funding. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons (n = 1,441) were compared to heterosexual persons (n = 11,770) separately by sex, examining primary problem substance of abuse, route of administration, age of first use, and frequency of use prior to treatment.ResultsRegarding bisexual males, the only significant finding of note was greater prevalence of methamphetamine as the primary substance of abuse. When compared to heterosexual men, gay and bisexual men evidenced greater rates of primary problem methamphetamine use (44.5% and 21.8%, respectively, vs. 7.7%, adjusted odds ratios [ORs] 6.43 and 2.94), and there was lower primary heroin use among gay men (9.3% vs. 25.8%, OR 0.35). Among LGB individuals, race and ethnicity did not predict primary problem substance, except that among LGB men and women, a non-White race predicted cocaine use (OR 4.83 and 6.40, respectively), and among lesbian and bisexual women, Hispanic ethnicity predicted lower odds of primary cocaine use (OR 0.24). When compared to heterosexual men, gay men were more likely to smoke their primary problem substance (OR 1.61), first used this substance at an older age (M = 23.16 vs. M = 18.55, p < .001), and used this substance fewer days prior to treatment (M = 8.75 vs. M = 11.41, p < .001). There were no differences between heterosexual and lesbian or bisexual women.ConclusionsThere were unique patterns of substance use for gay and bisexual men entering substance abuse treatment, but women did not evidence differences. Gay men evidenced unique factors that may reflect less severity of use when entering treatment including fewer days of use and a later age of initiation of their primary problem substances. The results underscore the importance of being sensitive to differences between gay, bisexual, and heterosexual males when considering substance use disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record

Lack of motivation in clients has been traditionally taken to indicate a failure of adjustment to visual loss. The loss model implicit in this view is questioned on theoretical and empirical grounds. An alternative model is presented in which self-efficacy is regarded as the primary factor in adjustment, and theoretical and empirical arguments are advanced to support the view that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential to successful rehabilitation.

AbstractA close relationship between microfinance loan officers and their clients is essential to avoid the phenomenon of client dropout. Client retention has been identified as a critical factor for both the social performance and the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions. Relationship lending in microfinance decreases the probability of clients dropping out, showing the importance of close contacts between loan officers and their clients. We recommend that microfinance practitioners avoid the rotation of loan officers through different branches when the risk of fraud from loan officers is low.

A new programmed learning package, PLACE: Guided Steps to Employment Readiness, provides a measurable definition of employability and helps clients measure their own employability and prepare themselves for work.

Decisions of nonvoluntary clients regarding whether to accept or decline agency-initiated social services were examined in this exploratory study. A qualitative research approach was used to collect and analyze data from 20 potential participants in an early-intervention program for high-risk (child abuse) families. Each was queried as to their decision-making rationale when confronted with an offer of services. Five themes across the participant decision-making category emerged: need, fit, efficacy, cost/benefit, and choice. Practice implications are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of seeking and respecting clients' perspectives in the offer of service delivery.