Solving An Ethical Dilemma In Social Work

Critical Thinking To resolve an ethical dilemma, it’s important to think critically through the values of those who are involved. People to keep in consideration when evaluating values are clients’ significant others, family members, friends, support networks and the community of the client involved (Rothman, J. C., 2011). An ethical dilemma cannot be resolved without understanding a client’s values. A client should never be asked to act against their morals, religious beliefs, or their cultural traditions (Rothman, J. C., 2011). Values are what shape behavior, help someone understand who they are, have the ability to relate to one another, and someone’s overall ability to function in society (Rothman, J. C., 2011). It’s also important to keep in mind that each person has a different meaning of a value. The absolute first thing for a social worker to do before even discussing client values, is to have a discussion with oneself on understanding their own values. A social worker is going to have to take into consideration client/client system values, agency values, and societal values. By examining ones own foundation of a value

There are two types of values – ideal, and real (Rothman, J. C., 2011). An example of an ideal value is “equality.” That can mean many different things. The broad understanding from society may be one that says equality is for every American. Now, everyone knows that equality is a term that says it means something, but equality doesn’t actually fully exist in America. An example of a real value is one that is more accurate in everyday life. If a client says one of their values is freedom, a social worker may need clarification on that. Asking a client for examples offers a better understanding of the value that the client holds. There are also abstract values like “relationships,” and more concrete values like “earning my bachelor’s