The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code aims to provide a framework for moral social work practice in Canada. The theories of social work, social science, and the humanities serve as the foundation for social work as a practice-based profession and academic field. The core ideals of social work include respect for each person’s intrinsic worth and dignity, the pursuit of social justice, and culturally sensitive practice that is based on values, ethics, and humility and that views all aspects of practice through an anti-oppressive lens.
All social workers practicing in the field of social work should abide by specific professional values. Social workers’ values and their professional values are frequently interchangeable. The creation of seven pairs of societal and personal value scales and an analysis of their intercorrelations serve to illustrate this divide (2005). To practice ethical social work, one must be aware of any potential conflicts that may exist between one’s own beliefs and the standards of the profession. Personal values influence one’s professional behavior positively or negatively (2008). A Competent social worker is conscious of their principles yet are receptive to others who may hold different opinions.
To ascertain the extent to which these widely used standardized value inventories focus on personal vs. social work value applications, correlations between the personal and social scales of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code and counterpart scales in the CASW Code are compared. While social values refer to the ethics that one must uphold in regard to one’s contacts and commercial dealings in one’s professional life, social values are those that are prescribed by the dominant social structure (2008). Depending on the context, the two might or might not be the same.
Case Study: Application of Social Values in Conflict Resolution
In terms of social work, it might take much work to consider a scenario in which a client chooses to give an employee a present on a particular occasion in recognition of their hard work or their long-standing positive relationship. A number of variables, including relationship, cultural, and societal norms, could undermine the link that unites the two people. In this case, the professional code of ethics and personal values diverge. It is most difficult at times to consider the true nature of the relationship that exists between the client and the employee, regardless of the social work relationship.
Two things are at play here: integrity and the value of human relationships. Rejecting the present could cause the customer to feel rejected or damage the relationship that has been developed between them over a number of years. However, since social work places a high value on integrity, the gift-giving situation could damage the parties’ professional relationship (Jiwani, 2020). Typically, social work involves setting a good example for clients and other staff members by upholding proper and healthy boundaries in work-related relationships.
It will take five stages to find a meaningful answer to this ethical conundrum that complies with the BCASW code of ethics. The following steps will be taken in the process:
Examining the CASW Code of Ethics
It is important to understand which ethical values are at odds in this situation and why it is crucial to incorporate acceptable social work practices into the re; internship; it is vital to take the time to read the code of ethics.
Reviewing State and Federal Laws of CASW
Making judgments in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations not only aids in moral decision-making but also ensures that decisions meet legal criteria (Jiwani, 2020). If an employee maintains unneeded contact with a client, they run the danger of losing their license.
Seeking Supervision
When faced with a challenging issue, supervisors can be very useful in guiding you toward the right course of action. Everybody occasionally needs a second opinion. To maintain control and guidance, it is imperative that individuals, regardless of their tenure in the organization, seek supervision from more senior staff members.
Consulting the CASW Code of Ethics
It is critical to have a private conversation about the issue—avoiding disclosing the client’s information—and obtain expert guidance on how to proceed. Having the backing of a national organization for work is one of the most important advantages of becoming a member of CASW. When faced with such moral quandaries, the majority of social workers are able to call.
Processing the Findings
Occasionally, seeking assistance from an impartial third party might be the most beneficial means of gaining fresh insight. When presented with an ethical conundrum, decisions are frequently hard to reverse after they are taken (Jiwani, 2020). A sound conclusion regarding the ethical dilemma issue can be made thanks to the research and expert guidance.
In summary, personal beliefs shape an individual’s conduct even outside of the workplace. When Comparing personal values to professional values, it is essential to note that personal values are more flexible and can evolve as a person grows through life experiences, cultural influences, political awareness, and a deeper understanding of people. Through the application of a strengths-based approach, social workers see people as capable, resourceful, and belonging to families and communities. Through the application of a strengths-based approach, social workers see people as capable, resourceful, and belonging to families and communities. Every value, principle, and guideline is equally significant and functions in concert with the others to define the moral behavior, conduct, and professionalism required to offer moral social work services in Canada.
References
Jiwani, B. (2020). The preliminary decision. Good Organizational Decisions, pp. 43–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33401-7_8
Code of Ethics 2005. (2005b). CASW.
Social Work Scope of Practice. (2008). . CASW.