Social Work

Table of Contents
Principles of Community Organization...........................................................................................1

Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
Meaning and Definition...............................................................................................................1
Principles of Community Organization...............................................................................1
1) The Principle of Specific Objectives...................................................................................2
2) The Principle of Planning....................................................................................................2
3) The Principle of People’s Participation...............................................................................2
4) The Principle of the Inter-Group Approach.........................................................................2
5) The Principle of Democratic Functioning...........................................................................3
6) The Principle of Flexible Organization...............................................................................3
7) The Principle of Optimum Utilization of Indigenous Resources........................................3
8) The Principle of Cultural Orientation..................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................4
Principals of community organization

Introduction
To study and to be able to engage in community organization practice it is

necessary to have a clear definition. There are several definitions available in the
literature, which have been put forth at different times and in differing contexts.
The common element in most of them is matching resources to needs. We will
discuss here the two most widely accepted definitions of community organization.
The principles of community practice play a significant role in community work.

They are derived from the value base and ethical framework involved in community
work which every community worker must follow while engaging in any community
practice-related task. This module seeks to explain to the student how
indispensable these principles are to community practice at the community level.
Meaning and Definition

Murray G. Ross (1967)
Defines community organization as a “process by which a community identifies its needs

or objectives, gives priority to them, develops confidence and will to work at them, finds
resources (internal and external) to deal with them, and in doing so, extends and
develops cooperative and collaborative attitudes and practices in the community”.
Community,” in the sense in which it is used here, refers to two major groupings of
people. Firstly it may be all the people in a specific geographic area a village, a town,
a city, a neighborhood, or a district in a city.
Principles of Community Organization
1. The Principle of Specific Objectives

2. The Principle of Planning
3. The Principle of People’s Participation
4. The Principle of Inter-Group Approach
5. The Principle of Democratic Functioning
6. The Principle of Flexible Organization
7. The Principle of Optimum Utilizations of Indigenous Resources
8. The Principle of Cultural Orientation
1) The Principle of Specific Objectives
The community consists of different client groups, all of whom may have
differential needs, thus necessitating differential programmes. For example, in the
Indian context, a separate forum for women is required due to cultural constraints.
The principle of specific objectives prescribes the practice of consciously
formulating specific objectives of working with different client groups on the one
hand, and formulating specific community oriented objectives, on the other
2) The Principle of Planning
This implies developing a blueprint for the entire work to be undertaken in terms of
programs, financial/resource requirements, personnel requirements, space, etc.
Planning also helps to anticipate problems one is likely to face in implementing the
program and devising contingency plans for meeting them. For example, a
community worker may disregard the cultural milieu of the community and try to
encourage girls to attend a co-educational school. This is an example of a lack of
planning, leading to the failure of the program and even community displeasure.
3) The Principle of People’s Participation
People’s participation is the most vital component of any community cooperative

venture. Ambitious plans of community development in the Indian context have
failed partly due to a lack of effective participation by people. Identification of the
‘felt needs’ of people, critical examination of the project feasibility, development of
a realistic strategy to involve people, assumption of a pace of work that is in
consonance with the community’s adjustment and capacity, adherence to the
community’s right to self-determination and giving equal importance to all
groups/factions are some ways to elicit people’s participation.
4) The Principle of the Inter-Group Approach
Most communities consist of people of diverse backgrounds, occupations, castes,

religions, and political affiliations. There are what can be described as “communities
within communities” and “overlapping communities”. The community worker is,
therefore, expected to first identify the smaller groups with whom he can make a
beginning and later develop inter-group linkages for achieving targets which
require the involvement of people on a larger scale.
5) The Principle of Democratic Functioning
This principle is based on the belief that there is a tendency among common
people to remain passive and allow others to take decisions for them. In this
process, a few people tend to dominate and take control of all resources and
benefits. Therefore, the community worker has a primary obligation to educate
people and to create appropriate mechanisms to facilitate wider participation and
to curb the tendency of domination by a privileged minority. The principle of
rotating leadership is also a step in the same direction.
6) The Principle of Flexible Organization
People in general are not used to conforming to rules and set procedures. Thus, it
is better if community workers opt for a more flexible approach to the organization
to accommodate people with varied abilities to function effectively. Informal
arrangements work better in the initial phase. Rules and procedures are very
important, but they should be made to facilitate rather than hinder participation.
Formation of various committees may also prove more helpful as more people can
thereby obtain the valuable experience of taking the lead in participating and
decision-making.
7) The Principle of Optimum Utilization of Indigenous Resources
Countries of the developing world are generally short of resources. Often, the
governments are unable to provide adequate basic services like housing, drinking
water, sanitation, health, etc. Thus, the community worker must largely depend on
the mobilization of resources from various sources, including the government.
8) The Principle of Cultural Orientation
It becomes important for the community worker to be oriented to the cultural

milieu of the community and show respect for its customs, traditions, values, etc.
This will enable her/him to gain the acceptance and respect of the community.
However, this does not imply that the worker should support such customs which
may harm the people or are detrimental to them (e.g. belief in supernatural
powers, early marriage, Sati, etc.). In such cases, a gradual effort to change the
community’s perception and practices is called for.
Conclusion
The principles of community organization are essential for effective community
practice. They serve as ethical and practical guides that help community workers navigate the
complexities of working with diverse groups. By adhering to these principles—specific objectives,
planning, people’s participation, inter-group approach, democratic functioning, flexible
organization, optimum utilization of indigenous resources, and cultural orientation—community
workers can foster meaningful and sustainable development. These principles ensure that
community initiatives are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the unique needs and resources of
each community, thereby empowering individuals and groups to take active roles in their own
development. Ultimately, the application of these principles not only enhances the effectiveness of
community programs but also strengthens the social fabric, promoting equity and cooperation
within the community.

Social Work

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Social Work

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Social Work

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Table of Contents

Principles of Community Organization...........................................................................................1

Principals of community organization

To study and to be able to engage in community organization practice it is

The principles of community practice play a significant role in community work.

Meaning and Definition

Defines community organization as a “process by which a community identifies its needs

Principles of Community Organization

1. The Principle of Specific Objectives

1) The Principle of Specific Objectives

2) The Principle of Planning

3) The Principle of People’s Participation

People’s participation is the most vital component of any community cooperative

4) The Principle of the Inter-Group Approach

Most communities consist of people of diverse backgrounds, occupations, castes,

5) The Principle of Democratic Functioning

6) The Principle of Flexible Organization

7) The Principle of Optimum Utilization of Indigenous Resources

8) The Principle of Cultural Orientation

It becomes important for the community worker to be oriented to the cultural

The principles of community organization are essential for effective community

You might also like