What does goal displacement in an HSO refer to?

Goal displacement in a human services organization (HSO) typically refers to a situation where the original aims of the organization, which are focused on serving clients' needs, become secondary to the needs and priorities of the staff. This occurs when staff members prioritize their interests, preferences, or internal dynamics over the mission of serving clients effectively. As a result, the organization may begin to operate in a way that is more beneficial to its staff rather than to those it was originally intended to serve.

This phenomenon is essential to understand, as it can lead to a misalignment of organizational goals and a decline in the quality of services provided to clients. Organizations must regularly assess and ensure that their activities are centered around fulfilling the needs of those they serve, not the preferences of the staff or other unrelated operational targets.