Few activities are as important to the healthy functioning of society as social work is. The Preamble of the Code of Ethics by the National Association of Social Workers explains the purpose of this profession, as well as its six foundational values (Code of Ethics: English, n.d.). The first value is service, which refers to the importance of empowering people and communities in a time of need. It is a core value because it provides the basis for all activities of social workers.
The second value is social justice, which means the importance of taking action to fix injustice in society. It is included in the list due to the prominence of discrimination, prejudices, and marginalization that create disproportionate living conditions. The next value is dignity and worth of the person, which refers to the importance of recognizing and respecting ethnic, cultural, and social differences between people. It is a core value since diversity is an essential trait of society that may lead to prejudices and discrimination if it is not addressed properly.
The fourth value is the importance of human relationships, which emphasizes the need for connectivity between people, communities, and governments. The reason why it is a core value lies in the necessity for unified collective action when managing global issues. The next value is integrity, which is the importance of consistency of actions and moral principles that underlie the social work profession. It is included in the list because social workers set a behavioral example to society as a whole. The final value is competence which refers to the actual ability to provide assistance and make changes. It is a core value since being competent is the only way to make a meaningful impact on society. Combined together, these values constitute the moral code that each social worker should follow.
Reference
Code of Ethics: English. (n.d.). Web.