Building Effective Social Work Practices: An Action Research Approach to Skill Enhancement and Empowerment

Social work professionals play a critical role in addressing societal issues such as poverty, inequality, mental health challenges, and systemic discrimination. As societal needs continue to evolve, so too must the skills and competencies of social work practitioners. This paper examines the role of skill enhancement and empowerment in building effective social work practices through the lens of action research. By using an action research framework, the study explores how participatory action research (PAR) can serve as a powerful tool for fostering continuous professional development among social workers. The article discusses how action research can improve skills, enhance practitioner confidence, and lead to more effective and sustainable social work interventions. It advocates for the integration of action research in social work education and practice, highlighting its potential to foster transformative change.