Moral Reasoning
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Moral Reasoning
Raelle Plante
Wayne State University
Author's note: This paper was prepared for SW3410 taught by Professor Schropshire.
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The concept of morality differs for every individual. Morality is one's concept of
right and wrong as defined by the individual's society, family, religion, ethnicity and even
gender. It is also subject to the individual's interpretation and experience. This lends
credence to the idea that no one's morality is exactly the same. The next logical question
to answer would be how does one develop their morality? Developmental behaviorist
such as Piaget and Kohlberg developed theories for this moral development and how it
progresses from childhood into adulthood (Barsky, 2010). Kohlberg's theory centers
around three levels of growth: preconventional reasoning, conventional reasoning, and
postconventional reasoning. The levels progress from an absolute hard line of right
versus wrong to an analysis of morality through a variety of lenses including societal,
personal, situational and legal (Barsky, 2010). Therefore, moral reasoning, our
understanding of morality and how we apply it and/or incorporate it in decision making,
changes as we are able to integrate more abstract ideas.
Ethics is a subset of morality. It is evaluating right and wrong according to the
values of a particular group. Such groups would include professions like social work,
police officers, psychologist, doctors and so on (Barsky, 2010). Acting ethically would be
following prescribed ideals and rules within the group. These group values may align
with the practitioner's personal morality, but they may also be contradictory to it.
Therefore, in social work and other professions, understanding ethics and morality,
particularly conflicts of such, is an important area of study and reflection for any
individual planning to pursue membership of the sought after group/profession. Thereby,
avoiding future paradoxical conflicts of personal and professional interests. In addition,
understanding one's own morality may illuminate problem areas for the social worker to
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work on personally or come up with a plan to handle difficult circumstances
professionally within the guidelines of the National Association of Social Work (NASW)
code of ethics, for example referrals.
In examining my own morality, several influences may affect my behavior,
judgment, and moral decision-making. One such biological factor is my gender. It is
difficult to see women in what I consider oppressive situations/cultures and not want to
intervene and "rescue" the woman in question. Morally, my view on oppression and what
I consider oppression is very black and white. However, ethically, I must value the
woman's right to self-determination. I must respect and uphold her culture. I must take
the me factor out of it and fully embrace the her factor in order to practice professionally,
competently and effectively.
I have encountered many difficult situations in my life. Therefore, a psychological
factor that needs to be monitored carefully is counter transference, which can have a
devastating impact on clients. As social workers, it is imperative that we monitor and
maintain our own mental health in order to be successful and effective.
Social factors may include professional peers. For example, seeking counsel from
a colleague or supervisor may help me to see cases differently and may affect my
behavior or moral decision-making concerning a client.
Another factor would be spiritual. I am a member of the Christian faith and
therefore hold true the value system as prescribed within that faith. Of course,
Christianity is one of many faiths around the world, including absence of faith. I have to
be mindful and knowledgeable of other religions and not superimpose my Christian
beliefs over others.
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The factors that influence me may not be the same as any other social worker. It is
understandable then that my concept of morality and ethics may be different from other
social work practitioners. Ray Bradbury once said, "There is more than one way to burn a
book, and the world is full of people running around with lit matches," (Goodreads,
2014). I feel this quote is apropos when discussing the validity of social workers' values
that conflict with my personal beliefs and ethics. Simply put, there is more than one way
to do a job and everyone has ideas and thoughts about how it should be done. My way is
not the only way. However, if I truly believed the social worker was acting unethically
and in danger of harming a client then I would follow the necessary steps to bring my
concerns to attention.
In our personal lives, we continuously make moral decisions centered on
ourselves: "Is this the right thing for me?" To act as a competent social worker we need to
change our paradigm of thinking to: "Is this the right thing for them?" Therefore, it is
necessary to have a standard of conduct and prescribed ethical code to guide us as
professionals and help us weed out erroneous egocentric ethical values. This code is the
NASW code of ethics. In addition to this code social workers need to follow their
agency's policies and guidelines for practicing ethically.
Considering the numerous problems social workers are confronted with, it is
necessary to understand methods for solving the ethical conflicts. Barsky (2010) provides
a framework for managing these ethical issues in the following steps:
1. Identify Ethical Issues

Learn relevant laws, agency policies, ethical standards, and
professional values.
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
Recognize ethical questions or problems as early as possible.

Articulate the specific issues that require attention.
2. Determine Appropriate Help

Identify which types of help may be most useful (ethical or legal
advice, clinical expertise, moral or financial support, conflict
resolution, risk management, implementation).

Determine which sources of support are appropriate (supervisor,
attorney, ethics expert, professional association, insurer, colleague,
client, friend, or others).
3. Think Critically

Reflect on one’s own values, virtues, attitudes, beliefs, motivations,
emotions, capacities, challenges, and social context.

Consider multiple perspectives.

Define goals for the ethical management process.

Identify and weigh obligations.

Brainstorm options and assess consequences.
4. Manage Conflict

Analyze the nature of the conflict (rights, interests, power,
miscommunication).

Define goals for conflict resolution.

Determine appropriate strategies for engaging relevant parties in a
constructive process (negotiation, mediation, advocacy, arbitration).
5. Plan and Implement Decisions
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
Determine who is responsible for performing which tasks, and when.

Develop strategies avert problems or raise likelihood of success.

Monitor implementation to enable early response to problems that
may arise.
6. Evaluate and Follow-up

Evaluate the extent to which the goals were achieved and determine
what types of follow-up (if any) are needed.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the ethical management process and
determine recommendations for change (pg. 246).
These steps, and explanations, listed by Barsky provide an excellent clear and concise
model for approaching, analyzing and solving ethical dilemmas.
NASW code of ethics 1.02 Self-Determination
This NASW code says this: "Social workers respect and promote the right of
clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their
goals, (NASW, 2008). This is the ethical code of conduct to remember when we find a
client's decision opposing our personal moral values, and I am confident that I will be
able to support my clients' decisions according to this guideline. We as social workers
need to help others according to their goals and not the goals that we would set for them.
They have the right to determine their goals and lead their lives on whatever terms they
choose.
NASW code of ethics 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity
This NASW code says this:
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(a) Social workers should understand culture and its function in human
behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures.
(b) Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients’ cultures
and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that
are sensitive to clients’ cultures and to differences among people and
cultural groups.
(c) Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand
the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race,
ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration
status, and mental or physical disability (NASW, 2008).
I, personally, am willing to abide by this code. There is a vast sea of cultural and
ethnic diversity, many of which are foreign and strange to me. It is not my place to
'westernize' the world but rather to support and uphold the values, customs and culture of
my clients. In order for me to understand differing cultures and which
resources/interventions would be most helpful to them, I need to actively seek out
knowledge about differing cultures, via school, books, and even to speak with colleagues
who have more experience than myself. I also believe it's important to understand my
own culture and how it facilitates my thoughts and actions, and be able to separate my
culture from that of my clients.
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NASW code of ethics 1.03 Informed Consent
The NASW code of ethics 1.03 says this:
(a) Social workers should provide services to clients only in the context of a
professional relationship based, when appropriate, on valid informed consent.
Social workers should use clear and understandable language to inform clients of
the purpose of the services, risks related to the services, limits to services because
of the requirements of a third-party payer, relevant costs, reasonable alternatives,
clients’ right to refuse or withdraw consent, and the time frame covered by the
consent. Social workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask
questions (NASW, 2008).
In order for clients to truly make informed decisions they need to fully
understand the nature of the helping relationship without ambiguity. It is my job to be
clear and understandable when discussing anything with my client, including the
professional social worker/client relationship. I am confident that I will be able to
establish professional and appropriate relationships with my clients.
NASW code of ethics 1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality
The NASW code of ethics 1.07 says this:
(c) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in
the course of professional service, except for compelling professional reasons.
The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential
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does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and
imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person. In all instances, social
workers should disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to
achieve the desired purpose; only information that is directly relevant to the
purpose for which the disclosure is made should be revealed (NASW, 2008).
I am good at keeping confidential information to myself in my private life, and I
am certain that I will be even more vigilant in my professional life. Clients need to be
able to trust us and our motives in order to help them.
NASW code of ethics 6.01 Social Welfare
The NASW code of ethics 6.01 says this:
Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to
global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their
environments. Social workers should advocate for living conditions
conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social,
economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with
the realization of social justice (NASW, 2008).
I believe it is our duty as social workers to pursue social justice. I am proud to say
that I am willing to engage in social and political action to promote the values of the
social work profession.
NASW code of ethics 2.09 Impairment of Colleagues
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The NASW code of ethics 2.09 says this:
(a) Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work colleague’s
impairment that is due to personal problems, psychosocial distress, substance
abuse, or mental health difficulties and that interferes
with practice effectiveness should consult with that colleague when feasible and
assist the colleague in taking remedial action.
(b) Social workers who believe that a social work colleague’s impairment
interferes with practice effectiveness and that the colleague has not taken
adequate steps to address the impairment should take action through appropriate
channels established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and regulatory
bodies, and other professional organizations (NASW, 2008)
I would intervene if I felt a colleague was impaired in the previously stated
manner, and I would follow the directions of this code. I will also make certain that I am
vigilant about my own behavior and manage my personal life in a way that is healthful. I
also believe that counseling is helpful in discussing one's problems and difficult
circumstances. I have attended counseling sessions in the past and will do so when
problems arise in the future as well.
NASW code of ethics 3.09 Commitments to Employers
The NASW code of ethics 3.09 says this: "a) Social workers generally should
adhere to commitments made to employers and employing organizations, (NASW, 2008).
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I would make sure that I fulfilled my commitments to the best of my ability when
transitioning employment. I would do so to fulfill my obligations as a professional and as
a person of character. The necessary arrangements for transition would depend upon the
policies of both the old and new agency, and the clients I am serving. I would discuss
these policies when necessary to come up with a plan for leaving that is satisfactory to
both agencies, and won't cause harm to current clients.
NASW code of ethics 1.12 Derogatory Language
The NASW code of ethics 1.12 says this: "Social workers should not use
derogatory language in their written or verbal communications to or about clients. Social
workers should use accurate and respectful language in all communications to and about
clients," (NASW, 2008).
I would discourage the use of derogatory language by colleagues and clients and
insist it not be used in my presence. I would remind my colleague of this code of ethic
and suggest they discuss the possibility of being burnt out with their supervisor. I would
instruct clients to refrain from such language as I find it offensive and counterproductive.
As mentioned previously, the NASW code of ethics 1.03 Informed Consent
directs us to ensure our clients fully understand the process, goals, and expectations of the
agency, program, and/or the legal system. This applies to both voluntary and involuntary
clients. In order to be effective the guidelines, expectations, and goals need to be
perfectly clear. Confusion and secrecy only serve as barriers to helpful and healthful
change. Therefore, as a social worker I will practice transparently and professionally.
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References
Barsky, A. E. (2010). Ethics and values in social work an integrated approach for a
comprehensive curriculum. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
National Association of Social Workers, (2008). Code of ethics. Washington, DC:
Author. Retrieved from website:
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp
Goodreads, (2014). Retrieved August 9, 2014, from
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/19165-there-is-more-than-one-way-to-burn-abook