Trust in mono-ethnic and mixed-ethnic association in Penang

Investigation into trust has become a topical issue in current social science research. This is, in large part, a result of a perception that trust in institutions has declined markedly in the past two decades. This paper investigates trust in some of Penang's civil associations as a way of measuring the health of social capital in Penang. It focuses on issues of trust and diversity since both are critical issues in Malaysian society in general and civil associations in particular. We began our analysis expecting higher forms of trust among members in the mono-ethnic associations, based on the power of bonding. However, findings from this study tend to suggest that rather than leading to lesser trust and infectiveness, involvement in mixed-ethnic associations have in fact generated higher trust among their members. These findings reveal an interesting corrective to more pessimistic view on the relationship between trust and diversity. Data from this study also provide important insight into how bridging between different people in associations marked by diversity can accentuate trust over and above the levels found in associations were bonding between like types is the dominant characteristic. The data also indicate that for both, mono-ethnic and mixed-ethnic associations, it is the extent of members' involvements in their associations that form trust and not vice versa.

Trust in mono-ethnic and mixed-ethnic associations in Penang

Investigation into trust has become a topical issue in current social science research. This is, in large part, a result of a perception that trust in institutions has declined markedly in the past two decades. This paper investigates trust in some of Penang’s civil associations as a way of measuring the health of social capital in Penang. It focuses on issues of trust and diversity since both are critical issues in Malaysian society in general and civil associations in particular. We began our analysis expecting higher forms of trust among members in the mono-ethnic associations, based on the power of bonding. However, findings from this study tend to suggest that rather than leading to lesser trust and infectiveness, involvement in mixed-ethnic associations have in fact generated higher trust among their members. These findings reveal an interesting corrective to more pessimistic view on the relationship between trust and diversity. Data from this study also provide important insight into how bridging between different people in associations marked by diversity can accentuate trust over and above the levels found in associations were bonding between like types is the dominant characteristic. The data also indicate that for both, mono-ethnic and mixed-ethnic associations, it is the extent of members’ involvements in their associations that form trust and not vice versa.

Rural primary health care workers and research : what is their present capacity?

Aims & rationale/Objectives : The main objectives of this project were to:
- conduct an audit of research skills and experience of primary health care staff in nine south western Victorian not-for-profit agencies
- identify capacity for research in five pre-identified areas
- investigate unpublished research endeavours/innovative projects taking place in the linked community organisations.
Methods : A 9-item survey was developed and will be distributed to all primary health care staff at the nine agencies via the internal email system of each organisation. The survey was developed after consultation with several agency directors, to obtain an organisational perspective on research capacity issues. Staff were also invited to take part in informal focus groups exploring key themes.
Principal findings : This study is in progress, and is expected to be completed at the end of March, 2007. Expected findings are the identification of primary health care staff's capacity for research, and discussion of relevant organisational assistance which would develop their research skills or enable continued participation in research.
Discussion : Phase 2 of the Australian PHC Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy aims to support the development and expansion of the primary health care research workforce. Findings from the current study will support this goal by assisting rural primary health care workers to identify the training and support they need to undertake quality research. The data could also be used to: a) assist the consortium to identify common research interests; b) to inform the consortium regarding the potential for collective research efforts; and c) to support funding submissions from the consortium or from individual agencies.
Implications : These findings will help to inform improved strategic planning in relation to building research capacity. The data could also be used by participating agencies to support applications for research grant funding.
Presentation type : Poster
Session theme : Building research capacity

Health service systems and comorbidity: stepping up to the mark

Clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders are not well served in traditional health care systems where specialist services offer segregated interventions and the client is left to negotiate required treatment across both systems. In recent years, policy change guiding the treatment of dual diagnosis in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere has triggered the development of diverse models of treatment, each of which function at different points on a continuum from serial to fully integrated care. This paper outlines key models and provides examples, while considering their potential for appropriately addressing the needs of this client group. Consideration is given to the benefits of an interaction between stepped care and the chosen model, as a means of enhancing care efficiency while retaining the focus on positive outcomes.

Morals, rights and practice in the human services : effective and fair decision-making in health, social care and criminal justice

Provides a synthesis of human rights theory and human services practice and offers a rights based model to aid professional decision making and practice.