Formalist, Specialist, Pragmatist or Idealist—Approaches to Boundary Spanning in Personal Social Services

Abstract The social services generally operate in the very centre of welfare systems marked by organisational specialisation. However, a downside to high levels specialisation is risk service fragmentation, which may particularly affect clients with complex needs. In this context, work over boundaries—boundary spanning—is crucial challenge for staff when performing their duties benefit both organisation and clients. aim article describe analyse approaches boundary spanning daily Swedish personal staff, paying particular attention often overlooked informal dimensions work. Findings from non-participation observation study group interview are presented. Four identified conceptualised: ‘formalist’, ‘specialist’, ‘pragmatist’ ‘idealist’ approaches. concludes discussion influence these approaches—and organisation—on future challenges specialised sector.