This dissertation describes an exploratory study which was undertaken to identify the conditions which enhance practitioner innovation in oncology social work. Fifty-seven oncology social workers from four leading cancer institutions in the United States volunteered to be interviewed. Data for this study were collected using qualitative research methods involving open ended, semi-structured, focused interviews which were tape recorded. The responses to the interview questions were coded into categories by the author using a grounded theory approach to data analysis.; The study yielded an understanding of the process of innovation and participant recommendations for organizational structures to encourage innovation. An unanticipated discovery was the emergence of a typology of innovators: The Reactor, who innovates in response to situational need; The Academic, who innovates in response to new learning/training; and The Initiator, who innovates in response to an inner drive to try new things. Many respondents note the tragic and crisis nature of the work as stimuli to try something new. This unanticipated discovery of a typology of innovators merits further study.; The findings have implications for supervisors and administrators in oncology social work, as well as schools of social work. The study suggests that the nature of oncology social work serves as a catalyst to mobilize some practitioners to innovate and that innovative practice may serve as an antidote to the stressful nature of the work. These topics would provide fruitful areas for future research.; Although the findings must be approached with some caution due to the limited sample size and sampling methods employed, the study identifies the role of the culture of the setting in promoting and inhibiting innovation. The study implies that training programs for middle managers and administrators need to be developed to foster the growth of work cultures which promote innovation. This study identifies an important area for future research. Although the study is specific to oncology social work, the findings may be viewed as applicable to social workers in other settings.
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