Managers' Meeting Discussions on Accessibility Problems in Social Services: Decision‐Making Through Aligning and Misaligning

Abstract

The accessibility of health and social services is particularly important for people in vulnerable positions. Knowledge on accessibility from the social service managers' perspective is still scarce, although they play a key role in creating structures, policies, working practices, and cultures that promote accessibility. This article explores social service managers' problem talk regarding service accessibility problems and the expressions of alignment or misalignment therein. Based on content analysis and interaction research methods of 19 recorded adult social service manager teams' meetings, this article provides knowledge on how, amid service system reform, managers' problem talk and cooperation mould service accessibility. According to the results, during the service system reform's first year, managers encountered accessibility problems related to (a) structures and resources, (b) information and knowledge, and (c) factors concerning individuals. The results also indicate that managers' roles and interactions are central to promoting service accessibility. In conclusion, accessibility appears key in producing ethically sustainable adult social services that genuinely promote human rights, social justice, and social integration.