長榮大學 社研所 進階社會個案工作 林娟芬 2014/10/25 PPT3b 社會個案工作哲理基礎 1

Values and Ethics in Social Work Differentiates values from ethics Details social work values Delineates principles that guide social work practice Examines the stipulations of ethical codes Analyzes the value context of social work 2

Values and Ethics Values are foundational to social work practice. Social work is a value-based profession that incorporates : “a constellations of preferences concerning what merits doing and how it should be done”. There are value and ethical dimensions to almost every aspect of social work. 3

Values Defined Values are the implicit and explicit ideas about what we cherish as ideal or preferable. Value define norms or guidelines for behavior. Values influence our evaluations of situations and motivate the actions we take. 4

Distinctions among fact, right, and ideologies Distinguishes values from facts, needs, rights and ideologies, Value express preferences, value define desired outcomes for meeting human needs. Facts define that which actually exists. Right specify citizens’ legitimate expectations for access to society’s resources for meeting their needs. 5

Translating values into actions People’s orientations toward values provide both the motivation and the direction for their behavior. Value is abstract terms How to transform into concrete actions. For example, people agree on the sanctity life. Sanctity life translates into different actions with respect to abortion? People hold a value in common yet translate that value into opposing directions for action. 6

Ethics Defined Values are implicit or explicit beliefs Ethics relate to people consider correct or right Ethics generates standards that direct one’s conduct. Ethics represents values in action. 7

Microethics and Macroethics Microethics deals with those standards and principles that direct practice. Macroethics is concerned with organizational arrangements and values as well as ethical principles that underline and guide social policies. 8

Ethical Behavior Ethical behavior comprises actions that uphold moral obligations and comply with standards for practice as prescribed by ethical codes. Ethical behavior is based on an interpretation of the application of values. Because people interpret abstract imperative differently, they often disagree about what constitutes ethical behavior or appropriate actions. 9

The foundation of professional social work values Social work values has shifted from concerns about the morality of individual clients to concerns about the morality of professional behavior. 10

The moral imperatives for the profession The social case worker has need of a thought- out system of social values not only to clarity his general purpose and orient him in relation to theories of social progress, but also to guide him in every professional contact. Such practical questions as the following illustrate the need of a philosophy: P

Common values of social work Since is central concern is humanness and the development of humanity, social work values must be radically humane– The values must include: Equality, social justice, freeing of live styles, rightful access to social resources, and liberation of self-powers. 12

Core values Respect individuals’ worth and dignity, encourage mutual participation, demonstrate acceptance, uphold confidentiality, express honesty, and handle conflict responsibly. Encourage individual’ active participation in the helping relationship and uphold their right to make their own decisions. Assist clients in securing resources needed to enhance their social functioning. 13

Core values Ensure that social institutions are humane and responsive to human needs, Accept and appreciate diverse populations. Hold themselves accountable for ethical conduct, the quality of their work, and continuous professional development. 14

Continuum of professional values Form general to specific Value statement express the abstract ideals usually accepted by all members of the profession. In concrete terms, actions operationalize values, for example, If social workers believe in the dignity and worth of all people, how do their beliefs shape their actions? 15

Continuum of professional values If social workers believe people should have access to resources, what are the implications of their beliefs for advocacy? If social workers believe people have the right to self determination, how does this change their approach to practice? A value has small worth, except as it is moved, or moveable, from believing into doing, from verbal affirmation into action. 16

The value context of social work The sociocultural milieu, agency settings, clients, and social workers. P. 117 figure 5-1 values context of social work 17

Societal value and social welfare Basic assumptions of the capitalist puritan belief system include: Man is responsible for his own success or failure Human nature is basically evil, but can be overcome by an act of will. Man’s primary purpose is the acquisition of material prosperity, which he achieves through hard work. 18

Societal value and social welfare The primary purpose of society is the maintenance of law and order in which this acquisition is possible. The unsuccessful, or deviant, person is not deserving of help, although efforts should be made, up to a point, to rehabilitate him or to spur him to greater effort on his own behalf. The primary incentives to change are to be found in economic or physical rewards and punishments. 19

The client system and value Each client system is unique base of value Client’s existing frameworks of value Can be change only value conflict with welfare of others or their own goals 20

Social work codes of ethics P. 123 NASW code of ethics 21

Ethical principles of Social work Acceptance Individualization Purposeful expression of feelins Nonjudgmental attitudes Objectivity Controlled emotional involvement Self-determination Access to resources Confidentiality Accountability 22