Week 5 : The Code and You
It is important to remember that the Code of Ethics does not exist in a vacuum, isolated from the thoughts and behaviors of people. Instead, it takes on meaning only when read, understood, applied, and continually consulted by the practitioners for whom it was created. So, as a future social worker, take a moment to think about your relationship to the Code and its ethical principles. Which principles do you think will be natural for you, and which might you find difficult to follow?
By completing this week’s Knowledge Check, you have gained a basic understanding of the Code of Ethics. Now, in this Discussion, you imagine yourself actually applying the Code, analyzing how the principles align or do not align with your strengths and personal beliefs.
To prepare:
- Review the Learning Resources on ethics and values. Pay particular attention to the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Review the list of six ethical principles on the NASW Code of Ethics webpage. Consider which ones you anticipate being easy for you to apply and which ones might be more challenging.
Post:
- From the list of ethical principles, choose one principle that you would excel at, describe it, and explain how it aligns with your strengths and/or personal beliefs.
- Then, choose one principle that you anticipate having some level of difficulty with. Explain how this principle may be challenging to you.
Tutorial for The Code and You
