Carl Rogers: Self-Actualization Theory
Self-actualization theory is built to determine the conditions under which an individual can develop his or her potentialities. The primary principle of the theory is the actualizing tendency that is a single force of life (Ivtzan et al., 2013). Actualizing tendency refers to the inbuilt motivations that are found in every human being and can develop to the fullest extent possible. Carl also argued that individuals work hard towards achieving the fullest of their existence. An individual can grow and improve life if only they are provided with a conducive environment for self-development. The conducive environment may contain elements such as acceptance of empathy and genuineness (Ivtzan et al., 2013). The next major principle of the theory is ‘self’ where a family background, in addition to insights, determines the behavior of an individual. As such, self-insight refers to the acceptance of self, reality as well as responsibilities.
Influence of Carl Rogers: Self-Actualization Theory on the roles and responsibilities of the human service worker
The theory is built on the inbuilt motivations that help the human service workers to work efficiently to satisfy an existing need in their line of work. The theory helps in the establishment of the strong relationship between a client and therapist that allows growth or self-actualization to take place. The therapist can listen to the client to provide good decisions without being judgmental of each other’s point of view to ensure the mutual growth of individuals. The workers become accepting, genuine and caring to their clients following the empathy principle provided by the theory (Elliott, 2013).
Theoretical model influences the organizational structure and policies of the fictitious human service organization
The theory influences organization structures and policies since it requires the transformation of the organization to the client-centred organizations. The changes required include ensuring that an organization has a safe environment for both the workers and clients. The organization should ensure that the safety, health, and sanitation policies are well adhered to, which helps in promoting a safe environment where people can live comfortably. Other policies that should be changed are the data management policies that may allow the firm to preserve their data and prevent invading the clients’ privacy and confidentiality (Ewen, 2014). Policymaking has potential impacts on the resourcing of the organization and services thereby implying that the process should be considered well. The theory provides guidelines on the policy making process by advocating for the development of transparent and flexible policies that are more responsive to changes. Therefore, it is valid to argue that the Carl theory is influential in various sectors of the firm such as health and safety, confidentiality of data, risk assessment, equal opportunities and minimization of harm and risks among the stakeholders.
Applications of theory principles
According to the self-actualizing tendency, the growth of an individual is attained when proper confrontation of the problems is done. Good decision-making and problem-solving skills can allow the center for self-actualization to attain good case management and promote behavioral health in the organization. Individuals develop new skills, capacities and creative views of life that can help the organization to improve its functionalities for the best outcomes. The principle of self-assists in the establishment of a lasting relationship between the organization staffs and the clients as well as improved consistency (Ewen, 2014). Good relationship among the staffs helps in increasing motivation, which in turn increases the productivity and transition in the overall functionalities of the firm. As such, the firm maintains its staffs as well as customers for the overall productivity of the firm. In addition, an individual with has the reliability characteristic maintains a balance in catering to the needs of the people. Therefore, even the aggressive needs are easily linked and balanced by intrinsic goodness. The principle of self requires much emphasis in the firm to ensure that the provision of client-centred services is done effectively.
The role of the client through the lens of the theoretical model
Clients play the role of maintaining productivity and good business for the human service organization. The clients facilitate the growth of an organization by increasing productivity and helping in the realization of the set goals of the organization. Therefore, the primary role of the firm should be to establish strategies that ensure that the clients’ needs are met effectively to maintain the existing customers as well as attracting new clients. The clients are also a source of information for the organization since they provide feedback on the areas that need more considerations than others do. They help in promoting a brand and creating a good brand name in the market for the common good and promotion of the business. The theory of Carl helps the staffs in an organization to improve the quality of services that they provide to the clients thereby establishing the good relationship between them. The relationship helps in ensuring that the needs of the clients are met fully to ensure that they are satisfied. They aim at promoting healthy living, self-developments, motivation, and transparency among other values to the clients to maintain them in the organization (Elliott, 2013). Therefore, an organization cannot operate without the involvement of clients and other stakeholders, who make up the organization. It helps in ensuring that their value is created and considered while making different decisions regarding the organization.
References
Ivtzan, I., Gardner, H. E., Bernard, I., Sekhon, M., & Hart, R. (2013). Wellbeing through self-fulfilment: Examining developmental aspects of self-actualization. The Humanistic Psychologist, 41(2), 119-132.
Elliott, A. (2013). Concepts of the Self. Polity.
Ewen, R. (2014). An introduction to theories of personality. Psychology Press.
