| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis analyses development processes of innovations in social services and their significance for improving service quality in Lithuanian social service organisations. Innovations in social services are regarded as an important element of contemporary social policy, as they create preconditions for increasing service accessibility, operational efficiency, and person-centred practice. In the field of social services, innovations are defined as new methods, technological solutions, organisational models, or ways of service delivery that contribute to reducing social exclusion and empowering service users. However, the implementation of innovations in the social service sector often faces challenges related to limited funding, excessive regulation, insufficient staff competences, and difficulties in managing organisational change. Object of the thesis: the manifestation of social service innovations in institutions. Aim of the thesis: to examine the manifestation of social service innovations, related challenges, and development prospects in Lithuanian social service centres. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are set: to analyse the theoretical aspects and the concept of social service innovations; to evaluate innovation implementation processes and their significance for the quality of social services; to identify barriers and facilitating factors for innovation implementation in organisational practice; and to disclose social service providers’ attitudes towards the implementation of innovations and their practical application. The research has been conducted in municipal social service institutions in Lithuania using a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative part involved semi-structured interviews with managers of social service organisations in order to reveal aspects of innovation understanding, application, and impact on service users. The quantitative part consisted of a questionnaire survey of social service employees, aimed at assessing the prevalence of innovations, staff attitudes, and organisational readiness for change. Quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings showed that innovations in the social service sector are perceived as an important necessity for improving service quality and increasing service users’ satisfaction. It was found that managers generally support innovative solutions and seek to involve employees and the community in service improvement; however, innovation implementation is constrained by unstable funding, administrative burden, and an insufficiently consistent strategic approach to the development of this field. Quantitative findings revealed that most employees support the implementation of innovations and indicate that they contribute to improving service accessibility and strengthening social inclusion; nevertheless, they emphasise that innovations are often implemented on a project basis without ensuring long-term continuity. The study concludes that the development of innovations in social services has the potential to strengthen social justice and reduce social exclusion, however, sustainable implementation requires systemic preconditions, including long-term financial stability, clearer innovation policy direction, strengthening staff competences, and promoting cross-sectoral cooperation. The success of innovations depends on organisational cultural openness, leadership, and employee engagement, therefore, it is important to apply change management principles constantly and to create organisational environment conducive to innovation in the social service sector. |
