Values and Ethics
"An important part of professionalism is that we act in an appropriate manner because we know it is right, not just because someone is policing our behaviour. We behave in a particular way because we have certain beliefs, and integrity requires us to act according to those beliefs. This is what is meant by ethical behaviour or ethics: behaviour governed by principles." (Ashbaker & Morgan, 2006)
Values are defined as beliefs or standards that people hold dear or to highly regarded ways of living.
Ethics are sets of guidelines or principle, often called codes, regarding moral duties or the nature of good and evil. Values are the criteria we use to make choices. We each have a set of values that can be similar - differ or conflict. Values are statements of what is desirable - or of the way we would like the world to be. They are not statements of policy.
Professionals will frequently be in situations that call on values and ethical decisions. Many situations may involve decisions that are against the beliefs of the individual but the foundation of the helping role is to support the autonomy of the client to make decisions. Professionals need to have the ability to suspend judgment and to set aside their own values and beliefs in order to be effective in the helping relationship.
