RUNNING HEAD: Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

Moral Reasoning and Values

Tamesha Green
August 9, 2014
SW 3410 Values and Ethics
BW 8539
Wayne State University

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

Moral reasoning and personal values are developed throughout a persons life span. Morals
are influenced by biological, social, spiritual factors which vary from person to person. Maslows
theory implies that people are in need of the basic necessities such as water, food, breathing,
sleep. When those basic needs are deprived the person becomes anxious and is motivated to do
whatever is necessary to satisfy those needs (Barskey 2010). This theory helps us to understand
why Valjean from Les Miserables may have taken the bread. After Valjean tried to do everything
within his power to feed his family, he resorted to stealing the loaf of bread. His basic needs were
not being met and neither was his familys. Kohlbergs theories suggest that preconventional
reasoning helps to rationalize what are the rules and what are the immediate consequences for
breaking those rules (Barskey 2010). Surely Valjean knew that stealing was wrong but the
consequences of being hungry and facing his hungry family outweighed the consequences for
stealing the bread to feed them. There are many theories that would help to debate for or against
his actions but, in the end there was one person that felt stealing was wrong and after many years
of doing the right thing, Valjean still had to pay for his actions.
Morals are a set of personal beliefs of right and wrong that are developed over a life span
which include social, biological and spiritual influences. Ethics are a given set of professional
standards and rules that are set by an outside source with interest for that profession. When
making a moral decision the focus is on what I feel is right for me. When making an ethical
decision I will analyze the situation and then choose between an already given set of rules that
were set as a standard for making a decision. It is important for Social Workers to understand
both types of decision making because there may come a time when that workers morals
conflict with her ethical obligations. The worker should be able to identify the differences to

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

avoid ethical mishaps. Ethical mishaps due to moral overlaps causes workers to perform
incompetently, which can lead to court proceedings and license sanctions.
A biological factor that may affect my decision making is not having enough rest before
coming to work. Not having enough sleep impacts productivity and decision making, a worker is
not efficient if sleep deprived. If a Social Worker is enable to maintain psychological balance the
ability to do what is morally and ethically correct is impeded. Some people have to feel needed
and fit in socially. Social influences can impact my ability to perform my duties as a Social
Worker if I was persuaded to follow the masses but I am not. In a social circle it may not be
acceptable associate with a certain class of people. As a worker I must deal with every creed of
individual as my duty. Having a bias towards a particular group makes for an inefficient worker.
I understand that spirituality is unique to every person and I will not let my views or the views of
someone else impact my judgment. I will always consider my clients spiritual beliefs when in
consultation with them to ensure a quality level of respect and service.
Influences that may affect moral decision making is seeing a client that is very upset that she
cannot afford to buy her infant diapers. The client is young and on her own, she does not have
any money to buy diapers. Being a single mother and in that same situation before would feel
compelled to go out and buy the infant some diapers. In a social setting it would be acceptable
and greatly appreciated. In a professional setting, this may violate their ethical standards .I
should do what is ethically correct and find resources for my client and her baby. Helping clients
within the parameters that were set for me will guide me in my decision making process. If I
were faced with a moral decision about an ethical dilemma, I would first consult with my
colleagues to find the appropriate approach. If there was still a question to the ethical dilemma, I

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

would have to resort to a lesson my mother taught me, and that is to always do what is right, you
can never go wrong.
I am able to give my support to a client who decides to stop taking medication, or terminate a
pregnancy. Operating in a legal capacity I am obligated by the NASW ethical principle, Dignity
and Worth of a person. I am to treat each person in a respectful manner and to be mindful of
individual differences, enhance and promote self determination, give clients a chance to change
and address their own needs. This means supporting my client on her decision to have an
abortion, if this is what she decides to be appropriate. However supporting a client to lie to an
employer when there are legal ramifications does not show good professional judgment. Social
workers should always refer back to their ethical guidelines and execute professional judgment.
All cases are different, what worked with one client may not work with another.
If I should find myself with a client from a different racial, ethnic background then my own I
will treat that client with as much respect as the next client. According to the NASW Section
1.05 Social Workers should seek to educate and to understand the nature of diversity with respect
to race or ethnicity. Once I have obtained a better understanding for my client and their particular
situation, adjusting my services to fit their particular needs is something I would do in their case
and in all my cases. A skill that I have and am proficient with is keeping confidentiality. In my
everyday life I have become accustomed to keeping information about others to myself. As a
child I was never able to gossip about other people and their business, my mother would not
allow it. I believe that will help me in my professional as well as following the NASW code of
ethics section 1.07. This section says that a Social Worker should respect a clients privacy and
should not divulge any information without an informed consent.

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

I am an advocate for change, if there is anything that can be done within my power to change
a system that is failing the people that I serve, I cannot stand by idly and do nothing. If at all
possible I will work with the powers that be to advocate for social justice and dignity for all.
When working with a colleague that seems to be impaired, I would first have a talk with my
colleague to get a better understanding for what they are going through. If I determine that they
are under the influence I would recommend that they go home for the day and sleep it off. If that
colleague fails to take my advice and takes a client, I will have to consult with my supervisor
about their actions. Section 2.09 of the NASW says that a Social Worker that has direct
knowledge of a colleague who is impaired should take the proper steps to address the impairment
and should take action with the proper channels. Coming to work under the influence is not a
concern that I have. I do not take prescription medication or illegal drugs. I am not able to drink
alcohol without an adverse reaction so I stay away from intoxicating beverages.
I have just been offered my dream job, and my new employer tells me to start at the end of the
week. The dilemma that can occur is not being able to give the current employer (if there is one)
adequate notice. Before leaving a job it is important to give at least a two week notice so that my
employee can have someone to fill the position that I will be leaving. It shows a level of respect
for the company and it shows my level of professionalism. Along with professionalism the use of
disparaging language towards my clients will not be condoned. NASW section 2.01 says that
workers will avoid negative criticism and demeaning comments towards colleagues and clients.
If I feel as though I have become burnt out with a particular client, it may be time to consider
transferring that client to another worker. This way the client can still receive the services that
they need and I can maintain my level of professionalism.

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

Operating in such a way that it is easy for others to know what actions I am performing is
how I would conduct business with all my clients. A client should always know my true
intentions there will not be any hidden agendas. I want my clients to know that my actions will
not be impeding on their progress and that I am there to help.
In conclusion morals and values are exclusive to each individual. Although we may share
some of the same morals and values they may never be exactly the same. Values and Morals are
developed over the period of a persons lifespan. They are impacted by biological, social,
psychological and spiritual factors making each set of morals unique as that person. Morals keep
us safe and socially accepted. Values are beliefs about what is most important to us. Not
everyone uses or has the same morals and values, but as a Social Worker they are the backbone
for implementing change.

Moral Reasoning and Values Paper

References
Barksy, Allan E. (2010) Ethics and Values in Social Work: An integrated approach for a
comprehensive curriculum. NY: NY Oxford University Press.
Schropshire, N. (2014) SW 3410 Ethics and Values Syllabus unpublished manuscripts Wayne
State University
National Association of Social Workers (2008) NASW code of ethics
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp