Ethics and Relationship: From Risk Management to Relational Engagement

Abstract

In this article, the underlying assumptions of the current ACA Code of Ethics (2014a) are examined as they are embedded in historical and cultural contexts. A relational ethic situated within relational-cultural theory that provides an alternative framework for understanding ethics in a relational and compassionate way is presented.

Students' Ethical Decision‐Making When Considering Boundary Crossings With Counselor Educators

“…T he ethical decision‐making process begins when conclusions are made subconsciously in the human brain (Drumwright, Prentice, & Biasucci, ), and when the conclusions reach conscious perception, the process immediately shifts to the use of “cognitive shortcuts” to solve the dilemma with the least amount of effort (McMahon & Good, ). Additionally, personal dispositions and characteristics can easily dominate an individual's ethical decision‐making, thereby diminishing the impact of ethics codes, laws, and ethical decision‐making models (Birrell & Bruns, ; Fialkov, Jackson, & Rabinowitz, ). Using personal morals and values (Kitchener, ), as well as consultation with peers (Tenbrunsel & Chugh, ), does not guarantee acceptable ethical decision‐making.…”

Impact of Selected Ethical Information Resources on Counselor Educators' Decision‐Making Regarding Boundary Crossings

“…Once ethical decision‐making reaches consciousness, McMahon and Good () found that humans use “cognitive shortcuts” when engaged in ethical decision‐making. Additionally, personal dispositions and characteristics can prevail over ethics codes, laws, and ethical decision‐making models (Birrell & Bruns, ; Fialkov, Jackson, & Rabinowitz, ). Using personal morals and values as ethical guidelines may not result in defensible ethical choices for boundary‐crossing decision‐making (Kitchener, ).…”

Impact of Ethical Information Resources on Independently Licensed Counselors

“…Kitchener's () five moral principles, the ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association [ACA], ), and Gottlieb's () decision‐making model are core counseling ethical information resources used by independently licensed counselors when navigating boundary‐crossing issues. Kitchener's five moral principles provide the foundation for the ACA Code of Ethics (Birrell & Bruns, ; Forester‐Miller & Davis, ) and are commonly taught in master's‐level counselor education classes to help counselors navigate ethical concerns, including boundary‐crossing issues (Granello & Young, ; Sangganjanavanich & Reynolds, ; Sheperis & Sheperis, ). So that professionals do no harm, benefit others, are fair, respect autonomy, and act faithfully to all individuals affected by the professional relationship, Kitchener suggested the use of the five moral principles when considering boundary crossings.…”

“…Personal characteristics influence ethical decision making. If unchecked, these personal temperaments can replace ethical codes, laws, and ethical decision-making models (Birrell & Bruns, 2016;Fialkov, Jackson, & Rabinowitz, 2014). Counting on self-established ethical guidelines to guide boundary-crossing decision making is problematic because moral intuition may not result in tenable ethical choices (Kitchener, 1984).…”

“…Counting on self-established ethical guidelines to guide boundary-crossing decision making is problematic because moral intuition may not result in tenable ethical choices (Kitchener, 1984). Simply relying on ethical codes can be frustrating given that these codes can be conflicting and vague (Birrell & Bruns, 2016;Kitchener, 1984). Examining boundarycrossing issues through the lens of ethical decision-making models offers better guidance when paired with ethical codes as well as a dependable foundation from which to consider boundary-crossing issues (Barnett, Lazarus, et al, 2007;Kitchener, 1984).…”