Family Service Executives in a Hostile Environment

Dramatic changes in human services funding in the 1980s prompted a redefinition of leadership in family service agencies. In this study of family service executives, attention is focused on changes in the roles executives play within their agencies, the skills they need, and the problems they face in the current environment. Their involvement in advocacy activity is discussed. The authors conclude that the future viability of the voluntary social service sector is tied to the type of leadership provided by agency executives.