ABSTRACT
A theoretical orientation is an organized set of assumptions, concepts and propositions used by a social work practitioner to understand the 'person interacting in an environment', explain client system problems, and guide all phases of the planned change process. Social workers from other parts of the world are drawn to theoretical frameworks and research with different emphases. For instance, Asian social workers and Israeli social workers, in contrast to American social workers, may prioritize theories closer to the collectivist end of the community, person continuum rather than the individualistic end. Garvin, a renowned small group's theorist, suggests that organizational requirements influence the practitioners' choice of theoretical frameworks. While there are pressures and constraints that any social work theory user must consider, there are also possibilities for the free and creative crafting of a distinctive theoretical approach to practice.
