THE UNIVERSITY OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

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SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

SOCIAL WORK STRAND

4.31062: Community Social Work Methods 01/09/20 – 05/09/20

LECTURES # 3: Values, Ethics & Principles of Social Work Practice

Objective: By the end of this lecture students should be able to explain the Values, Ethics
and Principles of Social Work.

Lecture Outline

1. Introduction
2. Values in Social Work
3. Principles of Social Work
4. Social Work Code of Ethics
5. Conclusion

1. Introduction
Social Work is operationalized through three methods;
a) Case work
b) Group work
c) Community Work

2. Values in Social Work

Value = something intrinsically valuable or desirable.
Refers to what people prefer or would want to be- what is regarded as good or desirable.
Social Work is a profession that focuses particularly on helping people to solve their
personal, family and community problems through enhancing social functioning and so
emphasises on human values.
Particular ethical principles relating to how people should be treated, what ideas are worthy
or unworthy, right or wrong that are regarded as values
 Professional Values
 Personal Values
There are two (2) value premises which underlie the practice of Social Work
a) A belief in the uniqueness and inherent dignity of the individual

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 I.e. each person is a unique individual with an inherent dignity which is to be respected.
People are not to be treated as objects or means to other ends

There are (5) five Guidelines to operationalize this value;

I. Be sensitive and aware of what we are communicating regarding client dignity
by the way we organise and administer our services,
II. Avoid stereo typing clients,
III. Assist Clients to discover and make use of their strengths,
IV. Expect client participation in problem solving
V. Focus on client’s needs than wants
b) Belief in Client Self-determination
Client self- determination derives from the belief in the innate dignity of the person. This
implies that people should be permitted to make decisions for themselves.
3. Principles of Social Work

The “generic “principles for Social Work Practice govern all three methods of intervention

a) The concept of individualization

Social Workers belief in the inherent worth, the integrity and dignity of the
individual

b) Direct Intervention
Another “generic” principle abstracted from Social Case work – face to face with
those in need. Through this intervention social workers deal with clients directly and
establish meaningful relationships with the client. This is just as important in group
work and community work.
c) Self Determination
d) Self-help

Social Workers do not tell individual, groups and communities what their needs are.
They seek to help them identify and recognise their needs. Social Workers may clarify
problems and suggest alternatives courses of action but not to prescribe solutions to
their clients.

Social Workers are enablers to help individuals, groups and communities to solve their
own problems.

Social Workers help clients to regain their confidence and belief in themselves to solve
their own problems.

e) Acceptance

Social Workers take Non- judgemental stance, no pre-conceived ideas about moral
standards. Clients are accepted for what they are, regardless of what they have done or
failed to do.

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 The principle of acceptance is based on the belief that human beings are intrinsically
good and naturally virtuous but for individual to be accountable for their own actions
and behave responsibly to others

f) Confidentiality

Clients have a right to keep their past behaviour and present troubles private but Social
Workers often need to communicate private information to their colleagues, other
professionals and public authority

g) Emotional Expressions

Clients are taught to express their feelings so;

I. For social workers to gain deeper insight into their problems and become
sensitive to client’s needs
II. Help clients to release part of their feelings.

h) Professional Involvement
Social Workers are to be sympathetic and understanding but not to be emotionally
involved with clients – might not be able to assist naturally and effectively.

4. Social Work Code of Ethics. (See attachment)

The Social Work Code of Ethics gives the Social Worker a compass to guide him/her. It helps
the worker realize that he or she is a person who should have responsible interest and
compassion regarding people, their problems and their relationships with others.

5. Conclusion
 There are three Social Work Methods;
 Case Work
 Group Work
 Community Work
 Values in Social Work
 Two (2) Essential Value Premises
 Principles of Social Work
 Eight (8) Principles of Social Work
 Social Work Code of Ethics
 Is a compass to guide the Social Worker in his/her practice
6. Reference
https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/code-of-ethicsh

Sarah Banks (2012) Ethics and Values in Social Work, Palgrave Macmillan.

7. Tutorial.

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