The pay challenge the case of social workers in Singapore

Abstract

Pay matters. Using economic theory and empirical data from Singapore, the authors examine the important role of salary in attracting and retaining social workers. Economic theories show the relationship between pay and turnover, and the need for government intervention. Then, by comparing empirical data against the economic theories, the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Singapore government to increase the number of social workers is analyzed. Finally, issues hindering competitive social work pay and recommendations for managing the issues are highlighted.