The Role of Ethical Theories in Decision Making by Social Workers

Abstract

This study analyses the arguments provided by a convenience sample of 62 Israeli social workers for their preferred ethical principles in terms of ethical theories. Content analysis of arguments given in four different contexts shows that the large majority of social workers in the study based their arguments on either deontological or utilitarian ethical concepts, less frequently using concepts from virtue theory, rights theory and care theory of ethics. However, the analysis reveals a discrepancy: when social workers were requested to justify their rank ordering of ethical principles without reference to a specific practice situation, they most frequently preferred concepts reflecting deontological theory of ethics, such as right intention, universalism, and duty. In contrast, when confronted with a specific practice situation, the social workers' most frequently chosen concepts were relating to results, consequences, and utility, concepts identified with the utilitarian theory of ethics. In view of the findings, the need for more thorough knowledge of a variety of ethical theories and their potential role in ethical decision making in social work practice and education are discussed.

Do nurses and social workers have different values? An exploratory study of the care for older people

“…This term is used here to mean qualified for the job they are doing -for care workers this is currently "SVQ level II", a vocational qualification for health and social care staff, and this is the lowest point at which "care-qualified" was defined in Scotland. Following Osmo and Landau (2006), the responses and comments to the ethical dilemmas presented within the vignettes were categorized along broad ethical approach lines. The data were coded and filtered in Excel to DO NURSES AND SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE DIFFERENT VALUES?…”

Collaborative argumentation through role-play by students on a degree programme in social services

“…The problems encountered in social work are often complicated and ill-structured (Osmo & Landau, 2006). Characteristics of ill-structured problems include unclear aims, alternative solutions and solution paths, and complex systems of evaluation (Jonassen & Kim, 2010).…”

“…Typically, problem solving in social work involves struggling with ethical principles and professional norms and values (Pullen-Sansfacon, 2010). When solving social problems, social workers must also consider such guidelines as human rights, selfdetermination and involvement (Osmo & Landau, 2006;International Federation of Social Workers, 2014). Gray and McDonald (2006) highlight the importance of integrating ethical reasoning and social work practice.…”

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“…Ethics and critical thinking also are linked through their cross-disciplinary nature. Osmo and Landau (2006), based on their study of ethical principles conducted through surveys of 62 Israeli social workers, asserted that ethical theories can assist in ethical decision making and critical thinking should be taught in conjunction with ethical theories. This integrated approach would help students who become practitioners to understand the limitations of individual ethical theories in analyzing and solving ethical dilemmas.…”