Social Work Ethics: Ethical Principles and Practice

Question 1

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting clients' rights, choices, and viewpoints?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires social workers to act in the best interests of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 3

If a social worker suspects a colleague of unethical conduct, the most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Seek advice from a professional ethics committee

Answer

Report the colleague to their supervisor immediately

Answer

Confront the colleague directly about their concerns

Answer

Ignore the situation as it is not their responsibility

Question 4

The Code of Ethics for Social Workers in the UK is published by:

Accepted Answer

The British Association of Social Workers

Answer

The National Health Service

Answer

The Department of Health and Social Care

Answer

The General Social Care Council

Question 5

A dual relationship in social work is when:

Accepted Answer

A social worker has multiple roles with a client, such as therapist and friend

Answer

A social worker benefits personally from a relationship with a client

Answer

Any relationship outside of the professional client-social worker relationship

Answer

A relationship that violates ethical guidelines

Question 6

Confidentiality is a crucial ethical obligation for social workers. What is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

Preserving client privacy and protecting their right to self-determination

Answer

Avoiding legal consequences for the social worker

Answer

Upholding professional reputation

Answer

Preventing harm to others

Question 7

What is the primary function of the Social Work Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Establishing minimum standards of ethical conduct

Answer

Providing a step-by-step guide for resolving ethical dilemmas

Answer

Protecting social workers from legal consequences

Answer

Ensuring public trust and maintaining the integrity of the profession

Question 8

Which of the following is considered a dual relationship in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing therapy to a close friend

Answer

Supervising a student intern

Answer

Advocating for a client's rights

Answer

Referring a client to a trusted resource

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of unethical social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced career opportunities

Answer

Harm to clients

Answer

Loss of trust in the profession

Answer

Increased liability

Question 10

Informed consent in social work practice involves:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring clients fully understand the nature, purpose, potential risks, and benefits of services before agreeing to participate.

Answer

Obtaining permission from clients to share their personal information with relevant parties.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality unless there is an imminent risk of harm.

Answer

Avoiding any personal or professional relationships with clients.

Question 11

When faced with an ethical dilemma, social workers should first:

Accepted Answer

Consult with their supervisor, colleagues, or other professionals for guidance.

Answer

Rely solely on their personal values and beliefs to make a decision.

Answer

Seek legal advice as the primary course of action.

Answer

Make a decision based exclusively on the client's wishes without considering other factors.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of violating client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced client satisfaction with services

Answer

Loss of trust between the social worker and client

Answer

Legal liability for the social worker

Answer

Damage to the client's reputation or well-being

Question 13

Dual relationships in the context of social work refer to:

Accepted Answer

Situations where a social worker engages in a personal or professional relationship with a client outside of the professional boundaries of the social work relationship.

Answer

Any type of relationship between a social worker and a client, regardless of its nature.

Answer

Relationships that develop between social workers and colleagues.

Answer

Relationships between social workers and their supervisors.

Question 14

When working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, social workers must:

Accepted Answer

Be aware of and respect cultural differences that may impact the helping process.

Answer

Impose their own cultural values and beliefs on clients, assuming they know what is best.

Answer

Avoid discussing cultural issues with clients, as they may be sensitive or irrelevant.

Answer

Only work with clients who share their cultural background, as it is easier to understand their needs.

Question 15

When working with involuntary clients, a key ethical consideration for social workers is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting their autonomy and rights, even when they may not fully agree with the services being provided.

Answer

Ensuring their consent to services, obtained through clear and informed decision-making.

Answer

Using coercion or force to ensure their cooperation, as it may be necessary in some situations.

Answer

Prioritizing the needs of the wider community over their individual rights, as it is ultimately beneficial for society.

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in social work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clients actively participate in decision-making regarding their care

Answer

To protect social workers from potential legal repercussions

Answer

To document that the client comprehends their rights

Answer

To gain access to a client's personal information

Question 17

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting and valuing individual differences?

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Advocacy

Question 18

Informed consent is a key aspect of ethical social work practice. Which of the following is NOT an element of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Clients are guaranteed complete confidentiality

Answer

Clients are informed about the purpose and potential risks of services

Answer

Clients explicitly agree to receive services

Answer

Clients have the ability to refuse services

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios is NOT an example of a dual relationship in social work?

Accepted Answer

Social worker offering support to a client who is also a neighbor

Answer

Social worker providing counseling to a close friend

Answer

Social worker having a business relationship with a client

Answer

Social worker engaging in romantic involvement with a client

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of social work ethics?

Accepted Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Respect for the inherent dignity and worth of the person

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 21

The ethical principle of non-maleficence primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding or minimizing harm to clients

Answer

Promoting clients' well-being

Answer

Respecting clients' rights

Answer

Advocating for social justice

Question 22

Dual relationships in social work refer to:

Accepted Answer

Any type of relationship between a social worker and a client that extends beyond the professional role

Answer

Romantic or sexual relationships between social workers and clients

Answer

Business relationships between social workers and clients

Answer

Professional collaborations between social workers and their supervisors

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a key component of ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Making a decision based solely on personal beliefs and preferences

Answer

Identifying and clarifying ethical issues

Answer

Considering relevant ethical principles and values

Answer

Documenting the decision-making process

Question 24

When a social worker engages in a personal relationship with a client, this is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Dual relationship

Answer

Boundary violation

Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Ethical dilemma

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental value underpinning the ethical principles of social work?

Accepted Answer

Profitability

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Professionalism

Question 26

Social workers are legally and ethically obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities. This obligation is commonly known as the:

Accepted Answer

Duty to protect

Answer

Duty to warn

Answer

Duty to confidentiality

Answer

Duty to self-care

Question 27

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers should avoid engaging in sexual relationships with clients. This is primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Potential conflicts of interest and exploitation

Answer

Legal prohibitions

Answer

Religious beliefs

Answer

Agency policies

Question 28

If a social worker encounters an ethical dilemma or is unsure about the ethical implications of a situation, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor or ethical committee

Answer

Ignore the issue and hope it resolves itself

Answer

Rely solely on their personal feelings

Answer

Seek guidance from the client

Question 29

Social workers have an ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities

Answer

Prioritize the interests of their employer

Answer

Follow the directives of their supervisors without question

Answer

Maintain the status quo and avoid challenging societal norms

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental ethical principle of social work practice as outlined by the relevant professional bodies?

Accepted Answer

Abstinence

Answer

Respect for self-determination

Answer

Honesty and integrity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 31

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Respect for client autonomy

Answer

Consistency in decision-making

Answer

Impartiality in interactions

Answer

Secrecy in maintaining confidentiality

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a recommended guideline for ethical decision-making in social work?

Accepted Answer

Base decisions solely on personal values and beliefs

Answer

Seek consultation from colleagues and supervisors

Answer

Consider the potential impact on all individuals involved

Answer

Adhere to established ethical codes and standards