The general purpose of this research is to examine Alberta Social Services within the context of administrative strategies which may be effectively employed in the addressing of the con tradictory expectations of accountability emanating from the organization's diverse group of stakeholders. More specific ally, as the provincial Social Services Department is charged with a wide range of responsibilities, this research is con cerned with the activities of the organization involving the placement, for protective and welfare purposes, of native children.
THE STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR EXPECTATIONS
The most important group of stakeholders in relation to Social Services' activities involving the placement of native children are the children themselves. Depending upon their age and development, these children may not be able to express any expectations with respect to the agency; however, they do expect a stable and caring family environment, and to be treated as worthwhile individuals, as opposed to pawns or unde sirables. The second most important group of stakeholders are the native families of which these children are a part, and this group is followed closely in importance by the various
1 2Indian bands. The native families and the Indian bands expect Social Services to provide assistance and protection where required, while, at the same time, preserving to the maximum extent feasible with the welfare of the children, the integrity of native families. Additionally, the native families and the Indian bands expect Social Services to recognize the validity of native culture, the value of retaining native cultural values, and the necessity of providing assistance and protec tion to native children within the framework of native cultural values.
Other stakeholders include Alberta society generally, which expects Social Services to extend assistance and protec tion to children without prejudice. Unfortunately, this socie tal e...