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Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department or Program Affiliation

Anthropology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Koetje, Todd A.

Second Advisor

Bruna, Sean

Third Advisor

Yu, Yeon Jung

Abstract

Drawing on organizational resilience theory, social support theory, and self-efficacy theory, this study explores the pivotal role of resilience among advocates working with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic violence (DV), and sexual violence (SV). Conducted at Grace Services in Balevi County, the study engaged a total of five staff and volunteers. Grace Services is a non-profit organization that supports survivors of IPV, DV, and SV. They employ staff and volunteers who provide crucial services and support to these survivors. Given the emotional toll associated with their work, this research focuses on how Grace Services approaches fostering resilience among this dedicated workforce. I achieve this by examining how the organization translates the concept of "resilience" into concrete practices. This involves identifying key themes and sub-themes that contribute to building resilience among advocates within Grace Services. While existing literature acknowledges the challenges of advocacy work, there is a dearth of research on advocate perspectives and their experiences. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study involved ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews. This study identified evidence of active resilience-building practices within Grace Services. This study found Grace Services prioritizes staff and volunteer well-being through self-care support and a positive work environment. This reduces stress, boosts morale, and fosters collaboration, leading to improved service delivery and staff retention. It was also found that the well-designed physical space reinforces these themes, further promoting wellbeing and teamwork. While workload challenges exist, staff feel valued and equipped, demonstrating the organization's strong culture and commitment to its mission. However, further research, particularly on the impact of the physical workspace on staff and volunteer well-being, v would be valuable in strengthening these efforts. This research contributes to a broader understanding of organizational behavior, the challenges and rewards of advocacy work in social services, and offers valuable insights for Grace Services based on the experiences of its staff and volunteers. This research also adds to the growing body of knowledge on advocacy resilience within the field of medical anthropology.

Type

Text

Keywords

organization resilience, physical workspace, advocate well-being, intimate partner violence, resilience-building practices

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1442351950

Subject – LCSH

Organizational resilience; Organizational behavior; Well-being; Intimate partner violence; Social networks; Self-efficacy

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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