Preface - management and social work - do they mix? Introduction - postmodernisation and change in social work and social welfare, Elizabeth Harlow. Part 1 Local perspectives: from Beveridge to best value - transitions in welfare provision, Alan Siddall; the rise of managerialism in social work, John Lawler; developments in services for elderly people - managing the changes, Kit Hall and Carol Jones; new managerialism and social work - changing women's work, Elizabeth Harlow; equalling the opportunity of a management career, Barbara Davey, Patricia Kearney and Gwen Rosen. Part 2 International perspectives: crossing, building and breaking the boudaries - social work in a global context, Liam Hughes; managing the development of social work in Russia, Vladimir Kolkov, Boris Shapiro and Alexander Soloryov; social work management in Finland, Mikko Mantysaari; in search of legitimacy - social work management in Hong Kong, Victor C.W. Wong and W.S. Sammy Chiu. Conclusion - emergent themes, John Lawler.