Interviews with 33 community development practitioners in 5 countries revealed the following sources that guide practice: (1) values and beliefs about community; (2) learning from colleagues; (3) literature-based theories; and (4) implicit, practice-based theories that are developed through reflection-in-action. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Clarifies the value-laden meanings of "community" in community work discourse. Centers on the concepts of Gemeinschaft (community), Gesellschaft (association), and Bund (league or federation). Examines the insights of community studies and the practice of community work within the Judeo-Christian value system. (SK)

Argues that those activities variously called community development, organization, action, or education involve the imposition of the values and beliefs of community workers or agencies upon their clientele and that community work has a strong, albeit unintentional, manipulative or exploitative aspect. (SK)