Self–efficacy can be described as a social construct to organize and execute courses of action required for attaining design types of behavior (Bandura 1989). It serves to assess individual's capacity to influence their own decisions making and actions. Albert Bandura provided much of what we know about self – efficacy constructs (Flett 2007 pp524). He first proposed a strong sense of efficacy enhances human accomplishments and personal well-being. He States "People with high assurances of their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than threats to be avoided". "They are less, likely to be overwhelmed by stress and anxiety". (Bandura 1989, Flett 2007 pp224). .
The practice of social work demands the ability to intergrade knowledge with practice, research with application and has an optimistic ideal outcome for which often has discouraging results. The social worker must move from position to position of inner uncertainty and self-doubt towards a realistic sense of self- efficacy and be prepared for employment that requires a long term commitment to the profession. In the overall context, strong self-efficacy along with values and ethics can aid the social worker in ensuring that practiced skills are applied in the workplace. .
Throughout this research project I wanted to be able to determine if the self-efficacy of social workers in a male homeless shelter is determined by gender. More specifically if women social workers have a sense of lower self- efficacy than their male counterparts. I will conclude if gender has any resolve in one's ability to cope in a highly stressful work environment traditionally dominated by male employees from 1955 till 1998. This will be accomplished through the Schwarzer and Jerusalem's General Self-Efficacy Scale. .
The General Self Efficacy scale assesses a broad and stable sense of personal competence to deal with a variety of stressful situations.