The profession of social work contains fundamental elements that are guides of actions and that

also serve as a foundation to the social work profession. These values include integrity, service,
social justice, importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of a person and competence.
Whilst from an Afro centric perspective the Ubuntu philosophy has been considered as a social
work value. These values are applicable to a high degree because values enable social workers to
execute a more fair and just practice, they enable social workers to uphold their practice in a
respectful manner, they guide how a social worker should manage time and emotions and they
heighten the capabilities of a social worker and they can be used in conducting research. as they
guide practitioners in addressing social problems and promoting the well-being of individuals
and communities and they make it easy to work towards addressing their unique needs and
promoting diversity in society. However, there may be challenges in implementing these values,
such as limited financial resources and navigating ethical dilemmas and balancing conflicting
values in complex situations.

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2017), social
work values are fundamental beliefs and principles that guide the ethical conduct and
professional behavior of social workers. The core social work values outlined by NASW include
service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships,
integrity, and competence. These values serve as a foundation for social work practice and
inform ethical decision-making, advocacy efforts, and the promotion of social change to enhance
the well-being of individuals and communities.

Firstly the social work values are applicable in social work practice because values enable social
workers to execute a more fair and just practice. This is illustrative through the value of social
justice which according to Mullaly, (2010) means to address systemic inequalities and advocate
for marginalized populations, further highlighting the importance of social workers actively
challenging oppressive structures and confronting privilege to promote a more just and equitable
society. Mullaly emphasizes the role of social workers in working towards social justice through
advocacy, empowerment, and community engagement. As a result Mullaly’s work serves a
valuable resource for social work practitioners seeking to integrate social justice principles into
their practice.. This intel’s how the value of social justice can be used towards both individuals
and communities in promoting anti-oppressive and non-discriminatory practice . Which in turn
contributes to fulfilling the roles of a social worker such as advocacy. Therefore this makes it
applicable to social work practice as social justice reflects how people should be treated equality
and fair in the process of promoting social change.

Secondly, the social work values are applicable in social work practice because values enable
social workers to uphold their practice in a respectful manner. The social work value of the
importance of human relationships underscores the significance of establishing meaningful and
respectful connections with clients, colleagues, and communities. This value emphasizes the
fundamental role that positive relationships play in promoting trust, collaboration, and effective
communication in social work practice. By valuing human relationships, social workers can
create a safe and supportive environment for clients to express their needs and concerns,
fostering a sense of empowerment and validation. According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2020),
the value of human relationships is central to the social work profession as it provides a
foundation for building rapport, empathy, and understanding with those served. Additionally, the
NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries and
establishing professional relationships based on mutual respect and dignity.

Furthermore the key social work values that play a crucial role in social work practice is the
value of service. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of
Ethics, service is defined as the primary goal of social work, emphasizing the commitment to
helping individuals in need and addressing social issues (NASW, 2017). This value underscores
the importance of promoting social change and improving the well-being of clients and
communities (Van Wormer & Besthorn, 2013). By providing support, advocacy, and
empowerment to marginalized populations, social workers can contribute to the enhancement of
social justice and the empowerment of individuals (Healy, 2014; IFSW, 2014). The value of
service is central to the ethical framework of social work practice and guides professionals in
their mission to promote social change and empower those in need (Reisch, 2013).

In addition to the above paragraph service still serves an integral role that makes it highly
applicable in the practice of social work as makes it able for social workers to put the service
their profession has to offer in the event of promoting social change.

Moving on, social work values are applicable in the social work practice because values heighten
the capabilities of a social worker. This is evident through the value of Competence, which
according to Dominelli (2010) highlights how the value of competence encourages the social
work to be up to date with current information. Therefore this clarifies how the value of social
work are applicable in social work practice as it encourages social worker to increase their areas
of competence and develop and enhance their profession expertise. The social work value of
competence emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, professional development, and
the ability to effectively apply knowledge and skills in practice. Social workers are expected to
stay informed about best practices, evidence-based interventions, and cultural competence in
order to effectively serve diverse populations. By upholding the value of competence, social
workers strive to provide high-quality services, engage in critical self-reflection, and seek
supervision and consultation when necessary. According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2020),
competence is a core competency in social work education and practice, ensuring that social
workers are well-equipped to meet the complex needs of their clients. Additionally, the National
Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics highlights the importance of maintaining
competence through ongoing professional development and training.

More so, social work values are applicable in the social work practice because they make it easy
to work towards addressing their unique needs and promoting diversity in society. Due to the
relationship between Values and Ethics it will be a scholarly misconception to not mention the
relationship between values and ethics in social work indicating how they can be applied. The
social work value of dignity and worth of a person emphasizes the inherent value and respect that
each individual holds, regardless of their background or circumstances. By recognizing and
honoring the dignity of each person, social workers are better equipped to understand and
address their unique needs in a culturally sensitive and affirming manner. This value also
encourages social workers to advocate for the rights and autonomy of their clients, promoting
inclusivity and diversity within society. According to Johnson and Yanca (2018), fostering a
sense of dignity and worth in clients can enhance their self-esteem, empowerment, and overall
well-being. The NASW Code of Ethics also underscores the importance of upholding the dignity
and worth of all individuals in social work practice, guiding social workers in their efforts to
promote diversity and social justice.

The social work values are applicable on social work practice because they play a crucial role in
guiding ethical decision-making and professional conduct in social work practice. For example
the social work value of Integrity encompasses honesty, transparency, and adherence to moral
principles, which are essential qualities for social workers to uphold trust and credibility with
clients and colleagues. By demonstrating integrity in their interactions and interventions, social
workers can build rapport, establish ethical boundaries, and maintain the trust of those they
serve. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics,
integrity is a cornerstone value that requires social workers to act with honesty, fairness, and
accountability in all aspects of their practice to ensure the welfare and rights of clients are
protected (NASW, 2017).

In addition to the above paragraph Integrity in social work practice involves not only ethical
decision-making, but also consistency in actions and behaviors, maintaining confidentiality, and
being accountable for one's professional responsibilities. Social workers are expected to
demonstrate integrity by acting in the best interests of their clients, advocating for social justice,
and upholding ethical standards set forth by professional organizations. Integrity is essential for
building and maintaining trust in therapeutic relationships and ensuring that clients' rights and
well-being are protected. According to (Reamer, 2013) Social workers with high levels of
integrity are more likely to earn the respect and confidence of their clients and colleagues,
leading to effective collaboration and positive outcomes in social work practice.

More over another social work value that’s applicable in the social work practice is Ubuntu, a
concept deeply rooted in African philosophy, emphasizes interconnectedness, community, and
collective well-being. In the context of social work practice from an Afrocentric perspective, the
value of Ubuntu holds significant relevance. Social workers embracing Ubuntu recognize the
importance of relationships, reciprocity, and communal support in addressing the needs of
individuals and communities. By embodying the principles of Ubuntu, social workers prioritize
collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity within
diverse populations. According to Mbigi and Maree (1995), the ethos of Ubuntu promotes a
holistic approach to social work that values the interconnectedness of individuals and the broader
community, emphasizing mutual respect, empathy, and shared responsibility.

However, there may be challenges in implementing these values, due to limited resources. In
developing countries, implementing social work values such as social justice, integrity, and
dignity may face significant challenges due to limited resources and funding constraints. The
scarcity of resources in these contexts can hinder the provision of adequate services and support
to vulnerable populations, making it difficult for social workers to fully address their needs.
Additionally, according to (Ife, 2012) the lack of financial and infrastructural resources may limit
the capacity of social workers to effectively promote social justice, advocate for marginalized
groups, and maintain ethical standards in their practice. Despite these challenges, social workers
in developing countries often demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, and resilience in finding
innovative solutions to uphold their professional values and serve their communities.

Lastly another challenge towards the applicability of social work values in social work practice is
navigating ethical dilemmas and balancing conflicting values in complex situations. Social
workers often encounter situations where different values, such as individual autonomy and
beneficence, may come into conflict, requiring them to make difficult decisions that uphold
multiple values simultaneously. According to (Reamer, 2013) resolving ethical dilemmas can be
challenging and may require careful consideration, consultation with colleagues, and adherence
to ethical guidelines and standards. These challenges highlight the need for ongoing professional
development, critical reflection, and ethical decision-making skills to ensure that social workers
uphold the values of the profession effectively in diverse and dynamic practice settings.

In conclusion the above essay has highlighted how the social work values of integrity, service,
social justice, importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of a person and competence.
Whilst from an Afro centric perspective the Ubuntu philosophy has been considered as a social
work value. These values are applicable to a high degree because values enable social workers to
execute a more fair and just practice, they enable social workers to uphold their practice in a
respectful manner, they guide how a social worker should manage time and emotions and they
heighten the capabilities of a social worker and they can be used in conducting research. as they
guide practitioners in addressing social problems and promoting the well-being of individuals
and communities and they make it easy to work towards addressing their unique needs and
promoting diversity in society. On the other hand highlighted challenges that maybe faced in
implementing these values, such as limited financial resources and navigating ethical dilemmas
and balancing conflicting values in complex situations
References

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