Life does not always present us with problems that are easily dealt with in a black and white manner. Ethical codes can help guide to a place of making the right decision in the midst of confusion. The field of social work is filled with the need to make ethical decision while working with clients and their families as well as with colleagues. Social workers may find situations in which the code of ethics needs to be utilized; Kant and ethical egoism may address the situation in a similar manner; and the model for making decisions can be helpful in resolving the problem. Social workers work closely with their colleagues to ensure the best possible care for the clients. A situation arises in which a close colleague has been showing up to work at least one day a week with a hang over and recently received a DUI. Her clients are still receiving good care, but the increased rates of her coming to work hung over is becoming alarming. One moral response to this situation is to brush it under the rug and continue with my work as usual since she is still getting her work done. However, the increase in the behavior is alarming. As a social worker I am to be a moral citizen that resists not only professional and organizational harm but also resists that which is individually morally harmful (Manning, 1997). Even if I am not the one participating in the morally harmful behavior, I want to make sure those representing my profession are also upholding those standards. I would take time to consider the best way to handle this moral dilemma and possibly explore other ethical viewpoints in order to discover how they may address this situation. Immanuel Kant, and 18th century philosopher, emphasizes the importance of duty do what is morally right (Wilkens, 2011).
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In his moral theory, there is a standard for right and for wrong and it is our personal duty to uphold these standards. The colleague is showing up to work hung over and not in her best ability to work and be fully present with her clients. The DUI demonstrates that she has not been upholding her duty by following the law to not drink and drive. This person is in the wrong and should be confronted. Kant believed that people are valuable and deserve respect (Clark & Poortenga, 2003). His theory may give permission to address concerns with this colleague in a respectful manner. It would be considered a duty to do the right thing by making sure this problem is addressed. It is very possible that if her behavior continues, one of her clients may not get the best possible care and someone could be hurt if she drinks and drives again. Another theory, ethical egoism, encourages action that is in our best interest (Wilkens, 2011). This colleague represents my field of expertise and my company where I work; it would be in my best interest to report the problem so that the company’s name or the title of social worker is not tarnished. If the company’s name is tarnished then I may lose clients. My reason for reporting the problem, according to ethical egoism, is not about getting help for the colleague but to protect my name and my job. The principles in the Social Work Code of Ethics help guide social workers to act in a similar ethical manner as well help in situations where ethics are not being followed. Two of the core values in social work are service and integrity (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). To act in a manner of service is to value the service of others above self-interest. To have integrity is to behave in a trustworthy manner. Ethical behavior should result from the social workers commitment to participate in ethical practice. The problem of the colleague coming to work hung over and getting a DUI is in direct conflict with the value of service and integrity. She is valuing her drinking over the service of her clients as well as putting the lives of others at risk when she drives impaired. Under any social work approach to ethics is to avoid harm to clients Fine & Teram, 2009). The social work code of ethics also involves respect for colleagues and not taking advantage of a situation in order to obtain something out of self-interest
In his moral theory, there is a standard for right and for wrong and it is our personal duty to uphold these standards. The colleague is showing up to work hung over and not in her best ability to work and be fully present with her clients. The DUI demonstrates that she has not been upholding her duty by following the law to not drink and drive. This person is in the wrong and should be confronted. Kant believed that people are valuable and deserve respect (Clark & Poortenga, 2003). His theory may give permission to address concerns with this colleague in a respectful manner. It would be considered a duty to do the right thing by making sure this problem is addressed. It is very possible that if her behavior continues, one of her clients may not get the best possible care and someone could be hurt if she drinks and drives again. Another theory, ethical egoism, encourages action that is in our best interest (Wilkens, 2011). This colleague represents my field of expertise and my company where I work; it would be in my best interest to report the problem so that the company’s name or the title of social worker is not tarnished. If the company’s name is tarnished then I may lose clients. My reason for reporting the problem, according to ethical egoism, is not about getting help for the colleague but to protect my name and my job. The principles in the Social Work Code of Ethics help guide social workers to act in a similar ethical manner as well help in situations where ethics are not being followed. Two of the core values in social work are service and integrity (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). To act in a manner of service is to value the service of others above self-interest. To have integrity is to behave in a trustworthy manner. Ethical behavior should result from the social workers commitment to participate in ethical practice. The problem of the colleague coming to work hung over and getting a DUI is in direct conflict with the value of service and integrity. She is valuing her drinking over the service of her clients as well as putting the lives of others at risk when she drives impaired. Under any social work approach to ethics is to avoid harm to clients Fine & Teram, 2009). The social work code of ethics also involves respect for colleagues and not taking advantage of a situation in order to obtain something out of self-interest