Value, Ethics and Professional Practice



Table of Contents

Introduction1

Social Work1

Professional Values of Social Work4

Concepts and Ethics in Social Work5

Role of General Principles of the Governing and Representative Bodies6

Conclusion7

References8

Value, Ethics and Professional Practice

Introduction

The approach to social work was used to be voluntary act, but is now turned into a profession in itself. Social workers seek to benefit the society and its inhabitants. The general principles of governing and representative bodies like, General Social Care Council (GSCC) provide guidelines to act in the most appropriate manner to ensure that its members adhere to high standards. This paper critically assesses the professional values of the social workers and concepts and ethics that are practiced. This paper does not seek to prepare an exhaustive list of values and guidelines for the conduct of social workers. However, paper discusses the different aspects of social workers in the realm of standards and values set for them.



Social Work

“Social work is an academic and professional discipline that works on improving the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities by intervening through direct practice, teaching, policy, research, and community organizing” (Fraser 2006: n.d.). In simple words, it is an activity that aims at helping people. This helping nature of humans is not a new concept and is known since the ancient times of human civilizations.

The change that has been brought in the social work in recent times is that, it is not a voluntary basis activity on 'ad hoc' basis any more. It is now considered a profession guided by researches, policies, practices, guidelines, and rules. There are values, ethics, and guidelines to follow, while doing social work. The professional bodies, including governing and representative bodies, issue general guidelines for the appropriate conduct of the social workers in practice.

As it is mentioned that social work is now a profession and many are opting it as a career. It is important to know the professional values of social work. Social work values can be defined as “the set of fundamental ethical principles to which social workers should be committed” (Banks, 2001, p. 6). The code of ethics for Social Work issued by the British Association of Social Workers, emphasize on five basic values (BASW, 2002, p. 2):

Human dignity and worth

Service to humanity

Social justice

Competence.

Integrity

The code discusses the implication of these values. The principles derived from these values are considered the guidelines for the social workers. The values are very important as they guide actions of its subscribers (Howe 1999: n.d.).

International Federation of Social Work has revised its ethics document which provides general guideline as the key values and ethics is concerned with social workers. The social work is predominantly based on the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings. It is the duty of social workers to defend and guard each person's psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual and wellbeing. The Code of Ethics for Social Work Values and ethical principles state principles in each of the five domains Human dignity and worth, Service to humanity, Social ...