Due Today Assignment 2: View Of Moral Working In This Module
Due Todayassignment 2 View Of Moral Workin This Modules Overview Yo
Discuss the influence of the competing views between the personal values and morals of the human services direct service provider that guide his or her work compared to that of the philosophy and theoretical approach of an organization in a professional environment. Cite some relevant examples to support your answer.
Discuss the two theoretical approaches that are used by human services agencies to provide direct services. By the due date assigned, post your responses to this Discussion Area in a minimum of 200 words.
Your response should rely upon at least two sources from professional literature. This may include the Argosy University online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov). Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA format); and use accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Paper For Above instruction
The field of human services encompasses a broad spectrum of practices aimed at assisting individuals and communities to achieve well-being and improved quality of life. Central to this practice are the ethical and philosophical underpinnings that guide direct service providers and the organizations they work for. A notable tension exists between the personal values and morals of individual human services practitioners and the overarching philosophies or theoretical approaches adopted by their organizations. Understanding this tension, along with the primary theoretical frameworks employed in service delivery, is crucial for delivering ethically consistent and effective care.
Influence of Personal Values versus Organizational Philosophy
Human services practitioners often bring their personal values, rooted in cultural, educational, and moral backgrounds, into their professional roles. These values influence how they approach client interactions, decision-making, and problem-solving. For example, a practitioner with strong beliefs in individual autonomy might advocate for client empowerment, whereas an organization with a more paternalistic philosophy might focus on structured interventions aimed at behavioral change (Reamer, 2018). This divergence can create ethical dilemmas or conflicts, particularly when a worker’s personal morals clash with organizational policies or theoretical approaches. For instance, a social worker committed to client self-determination may face institutional policies that prioritize risk reduction or compliance, potentially leading to moral distress (Collins & Walsh, 2013). Such conflicts necessitate ethical discernment and often require practitioners to navigate their personal principles while aligning with organizational expectations to serve clients effectively and ethically.
Theoretical Approaches in Human Services
Two predominant theoretical frameworks guide service delivery: the strengths-based approach and the risk-focused approach. The strengths-based approach emphasizes client resilience, capacities, and resources, fostering empowerment and autonomy. This model advocates viewing clients as partners in the change process, promoting recovery and self-sufficiency (Saleebey, 2013). Conversely, the risk-focused approach concentrates on identifying potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and threats to client safety, often leading to intervention strategies aimed at risk mitigation and protective actions (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015). These approaches reflect differing philosophies: one framing clients as resilient agents capable of change, and the other emphasizing safety and stability through protective measures.
Implementing these frameworks depends on organizational policies, funding mandates, and professional training. For example, mental health agencies may adopt a strengths-based model to promote recovery, while child protective services might prioritize risk assessment and intervention to ensure safety. Ultimately, effective human service practice often involves a balance between these approaches, tailored to individual client needs and organizational goals. Recognizing the philosophical underpinnings of these models allows practitioners to navigate their work ethically and effectively, aligning their actions with both their moral compass and organizational directives (Fade, 2018).
In conclusion, the interplay between personal morals, organizational philosophies, and theoretical approaches significantly influences service delivery in human services. While personal values shape practitioners’ daily interactions, organizational guidelines and theoretical frameworks provide structure and consistency. Ethical practice requires ongoing reflection and critical awareness of these influences to support client well-being while respecting professional integrity.
References
- Collins, S., & Walsh, M. (2013). Ethical Dilemmas in Human Services: Balancing Personal Values and Organizational Expectations. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 10(2), 25-38.
- Fade, S. (2018). The Role of Philosophy in Human Services. Clinical Social Work Journal, 46, 16-24.
- Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H. (2015). Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives. Cengage Learning.
- Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethics in Social Work: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Saleebey, D. (2013). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. Pearson.