• 한국사회정책
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.239-275
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to explore what social workers experience and how they experience the needs of Meritocracy in the social welfare organization in the neoliberalism.. Therefore, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 social workers, and I analyzed Colaizzi(1978) in a phenomenological method through collected research materials. As a result, the analysis is integrated in a total of four essential themes. According to the research results, the meritocracy - oriented phenomenon in the social welfare organization was 'paradox of Meritocracy'. Participants were buried in creating "nominal performance without any effectiveness" based on effectiveness and efficiency. Clients were instrumentalized in performance; moreover, they lost contact points with the field. Above all, there was "a reorganization of practices" that contradicted the original values of practice, in which the quality deterioration of service and the connection between organizations were weakened. In addition, the implementation of accountability of social welfare organization, which was intended by Meritocracy, has become a criterion for external evaluation, and the challenge of uncertain result has left a "rigid accountability without discretion." While participants were devoted to making a nominal performance, they failed to be guaranteed by the distinct characteristics of social welfare group. They experienced lost pride of the practitioner in the reality which contained the value of social welfare. However, in spite of this paradox of Meritocracy, participants demonstrated flexibility in order to preserve the original value and reached "a compromise with reality in the identity conflict." Based on the results of the research, I presented the discussion and policy directions.