Discussion Thread:
Ethical Standards
Please read this thread and reply to this thread must
replies of at least 150 words, must demonstrate course-related knowledge
and support assertions
with at
least 2 scholarly citations in APA format. Acceptable sources include the class
textbook
and/or
peer-reviewed articles from within the last five years. Class book Martin, M. E. (2022). Introduction to human services: Through the
eyes of practice settings. (5th ed). Pearson.
Of the
44 ethical standards outlined by the National Organization of Human Services, I
chose the following that I thought best showed Biblical themes:
·
Standard 1 states,
“Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community
strengths” (Ethical standards, 2024). From a biblical perspective (also
commonly known as the ‘Golden Rule’) Jesus said, “And just as you want men to
do to you, you also do to them likewise” (NKJV, 1982, Matthew 7:12). This
standard is important in laying a foundation of treating all well. Not only so
the professional does what is ethical, but purposely chooses to treat others
with the same care and desire for a person’s growth as they would for their own
life. The key here is to draw out people’s strengths rather than a primary
focus on weaknesses. “Great leaders help employees lead great lives of meaning
and purpose by inspiring them to embrace a mission to enrich the lives of
customers and colleagues. Then, they need to build the measures, systems and
processes that support this mission, ensuring that those who fulfill that
mission receive appropriate rewards and recognition” (Reichheld, 2022, p. 8).
·
Standard 22 states,
“Human services professionals honor their commitments to employers to the
fullest extent possible” (Ethical Standards, 2024). From a biblical perspective
Jesus said, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’” (NKJV, 1982, Matthew
5:37). It is important (as much as humanly possible) to follow through on
commitments and to keep one’s word. This is setting an ethical standard and
doing the right thing, whether a person feels like it or not. This ethical
standard is “based on a set of ethical values that stipulate what behavior and
practices are considered acceptable and which are not, and also provides
general guidance in managing ethical dilemmas” (Martin, 2022, p. 57). This
standard (if adhered to) helps to simplify the implementation of, ‘yes, I will
chose to honor my commitments’ and ‘no, I will not back out of what I have
promised others, even if it is unpleasant to me.’
·
Standard 27 states,
“Human services professionals must accurately represent their qualifications,
encompassing, but not limited to, their skills, education, credentials,
training, and areas of expertise, to the client, colleagues, and members of the
public. When any intentional or accidental misrepresentation is discovered,
they must take immediate action to rectify the situation.” In scripture we are
provided with this profound truth, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV, 2011, Proverbs 10:9).
A crooked path is definitely one of misrepresentation and not accurately
representing one’s self. The best way to walk is with accuracy. It is also
interesting that integrity goes hand in hand with security. Integrity can give
the professional secure ethics and help secure all areas of their service to
clients, colleagues, and reputation with the public.
