Role-Set Diversity: Benefit or Strain?

Authors

Marilyn Gail Morgan, Auburn University
Alfred Demaris, University of Maryland, Baltimore

Abstract

Most social workers interact with many different types of people in performing their jobs. One view suggests such diversity is beneficial; an opposing view is that this causes job strains. This 'research indicates a correlation between increased strain and increased role-set diversity only for those age 36-41. Perceived benefits rose with diversity for those in mental health and public welfare settings. For mental health workers, benefits outweighed strains more often as diversity rose. Several areas of job satisfaction were explored for correlation with role-set diversity. There were significant findings by age, years of experience, and agency type. There were no significant correlations for the sample as a whole, indicating that the relationship between role-set diversity and benefits or strains is a much more complex one than has previously been believed.

Recommended Citation

Morgan, Marilyn Gail and Demaris, Alfred (1986) "Role-Set Diversity: Benefit or Strain?," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1751
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol13/iss2/7