Academic Values and Professional Ethics - A Comparison
In recent times, the role of individuals and institutions to the society as a whole has been emphasized. This has especially been manifested in the mission and vision statements of distinct organizations. Walden University's Mission and vision are closely aligned with the National Association of Social Workers' core values. They both emphasize on the need for advancing the society through their unique responsibilities (National Association of Social Workers, 2008) (Walden University).
Social workers aim to facilitate the access of basic human needs to all people while the learning institution aims to nurture socially responsible scholars. As statements made available by either body, it is important to develop plans that ensure that their provisions are met.
As social responsibility takes center stage across modern ethical conduct, ethical dilemmas emerge. The question of maintaining a socially responsible conduct introduces instances of impasse. For most part, ethical conduct is individually constructed and implemented. The issue of ethical dilemma arises when important decisions about ethical dilemmas have to be made (Mishna, Bogo, Sawyer & Khoury-Kassabri, 2012).
For instance, Walden University has to enforce policies that provide a diverse community of scholars with skillsets to have a positive impact on the society as this is one of their core values. in the case of Pedro, increased assistance in the form of government support and other forms of help from social workers may be viewed as irresponsible use of public funds. Pedro's substance abuse has in the past resulted in different undesirable outcomes including the death of his son (Plummer, Makris &Brocksen, 2014).
In such a situation, it is important to outline the need to offer Pedro the nature of social assistance he may require. This communicates the opportunities for social workers to assist, and accomplish specified outcomes.
Walden University's mission and vision can influence decision making in ethical dilemma as it consists of different important considerations. The institution states its mission as to ‘...provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change" (Walden University).
It acknowledges a diverse society, identifies its audience and stipulates how its role would relate to these individuals and the society as a whole. Most codes of ethics adhere to this outline. it also emphasizes the commitment of the institution to performing its functions in an ethical manner.
Social workers are at times referred to as change agents as they address the needs of marginalized and oppressed groups, by enacting change on many different levels. Mission, vision, and values adopted by ethical institutions can play a significant role in defining the role of a change agent Walden University's mission is a fitting example.
It incorporates important aspects that illustrate resolve to perform specified objectives in a way to cause profound change within the society.
Change agents allow for better outcomes where previously unlikely. To take on a role of a social change agent, one has to be determined to play specified roles that have a profound impact in society.