Values are “the customs, beliefs, standards of conduct, and principles considered desirable by a culture, a group of people, or an individual” (Barker, 2014, p. 447). Ethics are a “system of moral principles and perceptions about right versus wrong and the resulting philosophy of conduct that is practiced by an individual, group, profession, or culture” (Barker, 2014, p. 146). Whereas values relate to what a person or group considers desirable, ethics are frequently organized into a formal set of rules that are explicitly adopted by a group or profession.
The core professional values considered desirable by social workers are incorporated in the Code of Ethics so that behaving ethically is a way of realizing the fundamental values of your profession. The Code of Ethics summarizes these core values in the following way:
Service: As a social worker, your primary goal is “to help people in need and to address social problems.”
Social Justice: You challenge social injustice and work to bring about social change with and on behalf of individuals and groups, especially those who are vulnerable and oppressed.
Dignity and Worth of the Person: You respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person. This includes treating each person in a compassionate and respectful way, respect cultural and ethnic differences, and promote your clients’ self determination whenever it is socially responsible to do so.
Importance of Human Relationships: You recognize the central importance of human relationships. You engage your clients and others who receive your services as partners in the helping process.
Integrity: You behave in a trustworthy manner.
Competence: You practice within your areas of competence and develop and enhance your professional expertise.
Personal Values: When a work-related situation presents a conflict between your professional and personal values, you must deal with the conflict in a responsible way: If the situation or action is morally uncomfortable for you, but consistent with the Code of Ethics (and/or a law), you should put aside your discomfort and follow the Code of Ethics (and/or the law).
Barker, R.L. (2014). The social work dictionary (6th ed.). Washington, D.C: NASW Press.