Ethics and Values in Social Work

Running head: ETHICS AND VALUES IN SOCIAL WORK
Ethics and Values in Social Work
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ETHICS AND VALUES IN SOCIAL WORK
Introduction
This paper is a case study based report comprising of values, ethics and principles
from a set of perspectives. When shaping the discussion, report highlights few legislations
and their usage to real world facts. Purpose of the report is to determine the application and
implication of legislations and their usage to social, personal and professional values. In
general, report consists of three different questions and sub questions revolving around social,
philosophical, ethical and other relevant aspects associated with reality (Banks 2012).
Discussion is built upon the issues found in the case of children’s social care duty team.
Report starts with providing a detailed concept of personal and professional values and their
relationship with each other.
Personal Values
Personal values, in general, are the expression of what and how an individual consider
something to be most significant for him/her. A value could determine the worth of
something and in such case things that individual like and dislike. Personal values, in general,
are the things that are significant to people, the characteristics as well as behaviour that
motivate people and guide their decision. Personal values are fundamental principles,
qualities and standards that an individual or a group of individual may hold in high regard.
These values could guide the way people live their lives and the decisions that they make
(Reamer 2013.). However, it is worth stating that a value is generally formed by a particular
belief that is associated to the fundamental of an idea. Chen et al (2014) stated that some
individuals could observe a great value in saving world rainforest; nonetheless, an individual
who depends upon the logging of a forest for their duty or job could not place the same value
on forest as an individual who wish to save it. Thus, it can be mentioned that values can

2ETHICS AND VALUES IN SOCIAL WORK
influence many of the judgments that people make and have an impact on the support we give
clients.
Professional values
Professional values are at the core of the standards and the same values are often
reflected across the standards. Hence, the values are complex as well as they want to shape
who are as professional. On the other side, as stated by Beckett, Maynard and Jordan (2017)
professional values are the guiding beliefs and principles that influence work behaviour. It
has been identified that professional values are conventionally an extension of personal
values like honesty, generosity as well as helpfulness. So, while these values may change
over time across different life events, the core values of the individuals could remain the
same. As commented by Parrott (2014) Even though some values are considered more
significant than others in some particular professions, there could be some universal values
that should be and conventional are, held and applied often in all of them. However, there are
some profession values such as accountability and accountability is often considered as the
fundamental professional values that any individual could hold onto. For example, an
individual should take the responsibility of his/her own action; particularly if the individual is
a leader, he/she needs to take care of the actions of team.
Relationship between the two
It is highly essential that there should be a healthy balance between personal and
professional values which social workers should consider because it is natural social workers
to experience conflicts between these two values lie in the fact that personal values can
influence the professional values. This could happen because naturally personal values are
the core values which an individual may consider to be worthy and important throughout
his/her life. Problem occurs not just with the conflict but it could happen also with the

3ETHICS AND VALUES IN SOCIAL WORK
conflict between personal and professional values if there are diverse needs of service users.
Nonetheless, professional values often help to determine a how social worker should act as
professional practitioner. To avoid conflict every social worker individual should verify their
personal values to find the computability with professional values before taking a decision.
Moreover, if these two values are paradoxical in nature, professional values can control
personal values as individuals keep their personal values aside to conduct themselves in the
most appropriate professional manner. As held by Kelley (2013), it is particularly identified
when personal and professional values of a social worker could come under a conflict is if
they were to be a religious individual who usually do not believe in homosexuality and they
are involved in a work with a gay couple.; hence, their personal; values could lead to the
action of treating them inappropriately compared to other individuals. Here, the professional
values play the major role of guiding them towards the right path considering diversity and
treating people in an equal manner.
How the issues influence the selected case study
The case study clarifies the fact that there are certain issues related to both personal
and personal values. If it is considered from a personal value perspective, then it is worth
stating that despite the challenge of running a house with limited financial backup. Darren the
father of Jasmine and Lottie is not responsible enough towards his children. Firstly, major
elements of personal values are equality, respect, positivity, justice and honesty. However,
the case of Sally and Darren towards their children indicates there is a clear state of positivity
towards the action of negligence. For example, if it considered on the basis of justice, it is
worth stating that parents should not let a 3 year old child use toaster, which indicates a sign
of negligence. Similarly, the use of alcohol and Marijuana in the house where there are young
kids does not justify respect and positivity. Conversely, a major principle of a professional
values is that it is developed to guide individual on how to act in a professional practice. This