Worker-Client Relationship in Social Work

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Questions and Answers

Which ethical theory evaluates actions based on their consequences to determine right or wrong?

Deontological ethics

Ethics of care

Virtue ethics

Teleological ethics (correct)

What is the primary concern of deontological ethics?

Following moral principles regardless of outcomes (correct)

Understanding personal relationships

The character of the moral agent

Maximizing overall happiness

According to virtue ethics, what should be the primary question a moral agent asks?

What will produce the best outcomes?

What are my duties?

What kind of person should I be? (correct)

How can I care for others effectively?

Which of the following is NOT considered a core virtue that a social worker should possess?

Arrogance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the ethics of care developed by Carol Gilligan?

Being open to understanding another person's reality (C) Signup and view all the answers

In social work, ethical dilemmas often arise when balancing which two important aspects?

Principles of respect and achieving good outcomes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is primarily associated with the development of virtue ethics?

Aristotle (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is emphasized in character-based approaches to ethics?

The qualities of the moral agent (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Deontological ethics in social work?

Universal principles guiding ethical conduct (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of outcomes in determining the rightness of an action?

Consequentialism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of value conflicts might a social worker encounter?

Professional vs societal (B), Personal vs professional (C), Professional vs agency (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the ethics of care approach?

Emphasizing relationships and the moral significance of care (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge for social workers regarding personal values in ethical decision-making?

Distinguishing between agency values and individual values (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory considers moral virtues and character as central to ethical decision-making?

Virtue ethics (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes acceptable dual relationships in social work practice from harmful ones?

Intent behind the relationship (A), Level of client dependency (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is most likely to conflict when social workers face ethical dilemmas?

Maximizing social benefit (A), Protection of individual interests (D) Signup and view all the answers

What process is crucial for social workers when approaching ethical dilemmas?

Critical reflection and moral judgement (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ethical theories is correct?

Different ethical theories can be complementary. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do ethical decision-making models assist social workers?

They serve as references for personal judgment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a potentially unethical dual relationship in social work?

Engaging in friendship with a client (B), Offering clients informal favors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a characteristic of ethical dilemmas faced by social workers?

Conflicts between personal belief systems (B), Ambiguous situations that require careful consideration (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical decision-making, what should social workers primarily rely upon?

Their own dispositions and ethical values (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when determining if a boundary has been crossed in a professional relationship?

Whether it leads to financial gain (B), Client's emotional dependency (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario represents an 'unavoidable and unanticipated circumstance' in social work?

A social worker relocates to the same community as a client (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Code of ethics and principles guide the nature of the worker-client relationship.
Purposeful relationship: Workers and clients agree on the purpose.
Goal-driven: Goal setting occurs between worker and client.
Time-limited: Specific time frames are used.
Collaborative: Working together toward a shared goal.
Authority-carrying: Worker's specialized knowledge and experience.
Controlled: Maintaining objectivity; awareness of personal feelings.
Confidentiality: Protecting client privacy and secrecy of information.
Non-judgmental: Avoid bias and prejudice. Recognizing client's reasons and problems.
Individualization: Recognizing each client's uniqueness and tailoring approaches.
Self-determination: Respecting the client's right to make choices and decisions.

Not all dual relationships are necessarily unethical.
Some dual relationships can be harmful when exploitation or conflict of interest arise.
Intimate relationships, emotional dependencies, personal benefit, and unavoidable circumstances are potential boundary issues.
Clear boundaries of professional relationships are essential.
The seven principles and the code of ethics can help in these situations.
Discuss the boundaries of the professional relationship.

Ethical Decision-Making

Social workers face ethical dilemmas when deciding between the interests of the client and the broader community.
No single formula exists for ethical decision-making, and models are for reference.
Social workers use their own judgements, dispositions, and ethical values for decision making.
Recognizing when the code of ethics is not a sufficient tool to resolve ethical dilemmas is crucial.

Personal values heavily influence a social worker's views on clients, intervention strategies, and definitions of successful outcomes.
Social workers need to deeply understand and clarify their own personal values.
Professionals' moral character and character traits are important parts of their ethical decisions.

Ethical Decision-Making Models

Good social workers use critical reflection to combine moral judgment with their dispositions.
Ethical practice is actively inclusive and empowering.

Different Ethical Theories

Deontological approaches focus on duties and obligations (Kant).
Teleological approaches focus on consequences (Bentham and Mill).
Character-based approaches focus on virtues (Aristotle and Christian philosophers).
Relationship-of-care approaches focus on caring for individuals (Gilligan and Noddings).
Each ethical theory has different assumptions and may seem contradictory, but they complement each other.

Ethics of Care

Focuses on the vulnerability of certain people and communities.
Recognizes the importance of understanding the client's perspective and desires.
Acknowledges the interconnectedness of all individuals.
Emphasizes taking into account contextual details in decision-making and recognizing the potential impact on other parties.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of the worker-client relationship in social work, including ethics, collaboration, and goal setting. Understand the importance of confidentiality and individualization, along with the complexities of dual relationships. This quiz evaluates your knowledge of the fundamental principles guiding social work practice.