ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the way medical profession interpret and responds to the external pressures and managerial values imposed by state policies. It examines this complex and contested terrain, identifying critical dimensions of clumsy versus effective interpretations of performance management in the UK and Europe. The book investigates how social work professionals experience and adapt to the new managerial regimes and accountability requirements in the Norwegian social services. It focuses on insights into how work with and for disabled people is framed by the modern welfare state and what kind of effects the different welfare state traditions show dealing with these clients. In this edited volume, the authors wish to contribute to filling in some gaps in the body of knowledge. For this purpose, the authors have compiled several examples of the outlined transformation process of welfare state organisations in different European countries.
