Discussion: Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
If there is a right and wrong answer, there is no ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma occurs when one or more competing ethical principles must be considered and weighed against each other.
Social workers serve individuals, families, and communities who experience complex problems for which there are rarely simple solutions, or right or wrong answers. As such, social workers use the NASW Code of Ethics to identify the various ethical principles and standards that will guide ethical decision making.
In this Discussion, you apply social work ethics as you analyze an ethical dilemma.
To Prepare
• Consider the ethical decision-making framework outlined in this week’s resources, including Figure 1.1 on page 439 of Kirst-Ashman and Hull.
• Select one of the following options, and then engage in the first few steps of the ethical decision-making process, including consultation with colleagues through your response posts.
Option 2
Consider the presence of dual relationships in social work practice. What are examples of nonharmful and harmful dual relationships between clients and workers? How do social workers determine if dual relationships are harmful to a client?
Post a response to the following:
• Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.
• Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen.
o Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.
• Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.
• Describe potential courses of action.
• Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.
Resources
-Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
• Chapter 11, “Values, Ethics, and the Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas” (pp. 419–465)
-National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English.aspx
