The responsibility of the social worker: ethical implications of theory and practice

Abstract

PurposeTo focus on the topic of ethics and responsibility, specifically on the ethical action of the social worker.Design/methodology/approachConsiders that while ethical questions are discussed in social discourse everywhere, social work in Germany seems to avoid a reformulation of deeply ethical premises. This is perhaps so, because ethics already are implicit in the actions of social work.FindingsThe author believes that the implicit dealing with ethics on the part of the social worker is similar to the “implicit ethics” of Heinz von Foester, which “cannot be articulated”, but are immanent in every action.Originality/valueA consideration of the ethical responsibilities of the social worker.