ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

Which ethical responsibility entails acting honestly and promoting ethical practices?

1. Competence

2. Dignity and Worth of the Person

3. Integrity

4. Importance of Human Relationships

The correct answer is: Integrity

The ethical responsibility that involves acting honestly and promoting ethical practices is integrity. In the field of social work, integrity is fundamental because it underpins the trust clients place in professionals. Social workers are expected to adhere to the values of honesty, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for maintaining ethical standards in practice. This encompasses not only personal honesty in interactions with clients and colleagues but also a commitment to promoting ethical practices within the profession as a whole. Integrity also means acknowledging when mistakes occur and addressing them appropriately, which reinforces the credibility of the social work profession. It serves as a guiding principle for practitioners in ensuring that their actions align with both the ethical standards of the profession and the rights and needs of the individuals they serve. The ethical principles represented by the other options, such as competence and the dignity and worth of the person, while essential to social work practice, are not primarily focused on the notion of honesty and ethical behavior in the same way that integrity is. Competence pertains to the skills and knowledge necessary for effective practice, while dignity and worth of the person emphasize respect and value for clients. The importance of human relationships highlights the critical role of relationships in social work but does not address ethical behavior directly. Thus, integrity stands out as the principle that