Week 3: Professional Ethics and Ethical Decision Making

Question 1

Limitations to Codes of Ethics

Answer 1

• Applications to any one setting/situation is limited
• Professions change rapidly
• Sometimes focus too much on minor issues
• Not cookbook for responsible behaviour

Question 2

Steps in Ethical Decision Making:

Answer 2

1. Develop Ethical Sensitivity
2. Identify relevant articles from ethics
3. Look to ethics for literature guidance
4. Consideration of own personal bias,stress and self interest
5. Apply fundamental ethical principles and theories to situation
6. Develop alternative course of action
7. Consult with trusted co-worker
8. Action
9. Evaluate results of action

Question 3

How to apply steps in ethical decision making to a professional ethical dilemma

Answer 3

• are my actions defensible to other professionals
• have I documented my ethical decision making process
• would i act this way in a well lit room

Question 4

Need for ethics in Kin related professions

Answer 4

• Safety of both employee and customer
• Preserve public trust
• set standards

Question 5

What makes a situation an ethical dilemma

Answer 5

Situation requires ethical action but the professional is required to perform 2 or more mutually exclusive action

Question 6

6 Ethical Principles

Answer 6

• Autonomy- freedom to make one’s own choices and take action based on one’s own personal values and beliefs
  Non maleficence- obligation not to inflict harm upon others
  Beneficence- obligation to act on the benefit of others, act on behalf of the good of your client
  Justice- fair, equitable and appropriate treatment of others
  Fidelity- fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust
  Veracity-truthfulness, being honest