Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

Tiera Couch (004322562)

August 10, 2014
SW 3410
Moral Reasoning Paper

Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

Moral reasoning is the way in which people reach decisions about what is right and
wrong. Moral reasoning can be based on personal morals or established ethics. Barsky (2010)
defines morals as decisions about what is right or wrong behavior based on conventional ideas
(p. 44). Barsky (2010) goes on to define ethics as decisions about what is right or wrong
behavior based on standards determined by a particular group with a specific role (p. 45).
According to Barsky (2010) moral decision-making incorporates biological,
psychological, social and spiritual factors when reaching conclusions (p.44). Ethical-decision
making use specific rules and guidelines set by a particular title in an individuals life, for
instance, a professional role (p.45). Social workers should be familiar with both reasoning
processes in order to efficiently service clients. Social workers must distinguish between the two
in order to make decisions appropriately (Barsky, 2010, p. 45).
As mentioned above biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors influence
decision-making (Barsky, 2010, p. 44). Biological factors, when deficient can lead individuals to
work to fill those needs despite any negative consequences (Barsky, 2010, p. 45). For instance, a
social worker or client who is having difficulty sleeping may take sleeping pills despite their
addictive nature and possible health risks and side effects. Psychological factors can affect an
individuals attitude and emotions; these characteristics shape individual's perceptions about
people and circumstances (Barsky, 2010, p. 54). Preconceived notions can negatively affect the
worker-client relationship; for example, a client that is much older than their social worker may
feel that their worker is not competent solely based off their ideas about younger generations.
Social factors can affect a persons development; each system a person is involved in has an
impact on how they view the world and how they make decisions (Barsky, 2010, p. 61). For
instance, a client that grew up in a neighborhood where police brutality was prevalent may be

Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

reluctant to seek help from them. Spiritual factors can play a major or minor role in decisionmaking depending on the individuals connection to their spiritual beliefs (Barsky, 2010, p. 63).
For instance, a pregnant client who is emotional and financially unstable may want to have an
abortion, but decide against the procedure, because of her religious convictions. According to
Barsky (2010) social workers must be aware of all of the above factors in relation to themselves
and their clients in order to meet the client where they are and make enlightened and impartial
decisions (p. 62).
In order to make appropriate decisions for their clients, social workers must take certain
precautions when providing services. They must be aware of personal biases that can affect their
emotions and attitudes towards clients (Barsky, 2010, p.59). Social workers must also be openminded (Barsky, 2010, p. 59). Additionally social workers should actively seek feedback from
their clients; colleagues and supervisors to ensure there are practicing competently (Barsky,
2010, p. 59).
As a social worker, I would be able to support the clients decisions that I believe are
morally wrong, but legal. I would refer to The National Association of Social Work's (NASW)
code of ethics value, service, which states that social workers must subdue their personal beliefs
to serve their clients (Barsky, 2010, p. 21). If I had a client who expressed her wish to abandon
her child and husband in order to seek mental stability, while I may disagree morally,
professionally I would be empathetic and help my client obtain the resources she needs.
I will be able competently to serve clients whose backgrounds and beliefs are different
from mine. I will refer to the NASWs code of ethics Standard 1.04, Competence and Cultural
Competence, which maintains that social workers should actively educate them about their
diverse clients (Barsky, 2010, p. 104). I would also refer to the NASWs code of ethics, the

Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

ethical principle, Dignity and Worth of the Person, which stresses the importance of respecting
all clients (Barsky, 2010, p. 23). It would be no issue for me to service a newly immigrated
Islamic family, I would keep in mind the drastic difference in culture, and how what my culture
believes to be right should not be forced on my clients or affect my decisions.
As I learn the details of the boundaries between worker and client, I feel confident that I
will be able to adhere to them. I do not have a problem keeping confidences in my personal life; I
am a private person therefore I am selective with whom I share, and I respect the privacy of
others. As a professional social worker, I would refer to the NASWs Standard 1.07 Privacy and
Confidentiality which restricts social workers from sharing client's information and from asking
about information unrelated to the case (Barsky, 2010, p. 98). I feel strongly about upholding
clients confidentiality, I think it is important to respect the guidelines set. As a client, I would be
devastated if my private information were shared without my consent.
I am willing to fight for the rights of my clients even if it is my agency that is denying
those rights. I do however feel conflicted about reporting colleagues who allow their personal
situations to impair them professionally. When building personal relationships with colleagues it
is easy for lines to become blurred. I would speak with my colleague first, allowing him or her to
report their selves and if they refused I would then go to our supervisor.

If I received an offer

for my dream job and my new employer requested that I begin soon I would tactfully explain my
obligations to my current agency. The new employer is only requesting I begin the next week and
is more than likely aware of my current employment. It would be an ethical dilemma to leave my
agency abruptly, my leaving without preparing my clients could do damage and it would be
unethical to bring them with me.

Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

Using disparaging, crude language to describe clients is a violation to the code. Social
workers are to respect clients at all times. In order to address burnout it is important that social
workers take time to do things that offer them solitude and stability, be it exercising having a
hobby or taking a vacation. As far as practicing in a transparent manner I hope to acquire the
necessary skills competently service all types of clients.

Running head: MORALS REASONING PAPER

References
Barsky, A. E. (2010).Ethics and values in social work: An integrated approach for
a comprehensive curriculum. New York. Oxford University Press.