Managerialism in youth and community work: a critique of changing organisational structures and management practice

The purpose of this paper is the explore the development of hierarchical structures and the growth of managerialism in contemporary youth & community organisations. I shall attempt to show that the traditional organisational design of youth services, whilst matching the complexity of the work and the culture of the service, has considerable weaknesses in relation to improving practice and in providing quick and creative responses to our hostile and dynamic environment. However, changes that are being made in relation to increased bureaucracy and centralised control do not seem to tackle these weaknesses, but may well damage the morale and commitment of good and effective staff. I shall conclude by suggesting alternative approaches to the management and organisational design of youth and community services.