Developing a user typology of adopting innovative technologies in social work

Abstract

<p>The integration of technology into social work has emerged as a crucial requirement in daily practice. Social workers have gradually acclimated to these technologies through continuous and routine use. This study conducted in Hong Kong proposed a unified approach to understanding the digital transformation of social work practice and concluded that social workers' use of innovative technologies spanned the entire Levels of Use range from Level 0 to Level VI, namely Nonuse, Orientation, Preparation, Mechanical use, Routine, Refinement, Integration, and Renewal. By adopting a qualitative approach, twenty-three participants were recruited for online, in-depth Zoom interviews during the pandemic. Findings in the study could help human service organizations to plan the development of their services strategically, with implications for better service development and organizational management to embrace digital transformation.</p><p>This study conducted in Hong Kong aimed to develop a social worker's user typology of adopting innovative technologies through an investigation during the pandemic time, using the lens of Levels of Use framework. Studying social workers' tendencies to embrace or resist innovative technologies helps with optimizing service delivery, enhancing service efficiency, and improving intervention outcomes. It can also shed light on fostering a culture of innovation within the field and driving the profession to adapt to the changing environment.</p>