Values, Principles, and Practice Ethics in Social Group Work

Vocabulary flashcards covering core values, norms, practice ethics, and professional standards in social group work.

Values

Beliefs about what is important and right that influence attitudes, decisions, and behavior.

Personal Values

Individual beliefs derived from personal sources such as family, culture, and religion.

Professional Values

Guided standards set by professional bodies such as the SACSSP, centering on client rights and ethical practice.

Norms

Shared expectations and normative principles that indicate generally acceptable and unacceptable behavior within a group.

Contextual Values

Values held by organizational sponsors, funders, communities, and accredited bodies that directly or indirectly influence group work.

Autonomy

The right and ability of group members to make their own decisions rather than having a set of values forced upon them.

NASW

National Association of Social Workers.

SACSSP

South African Council for Social Services Professions.

Informed Consent

An ethical requirement involving an informed consent form provided to group members before the first session starts.

Leader Competence

An ethical practice requirement ensuring that the group facilitator is qualified and skilled to handle group interventions.

Confidentiality

An ethical principle ensuring that private information shared by members within a group session is not disclosed to outside individuals.

Mutual Aid

A core group work value involving reciprocal support, assistance, and solidarity among group members.

Empowerment

A key social work value aimed at giving group members the agency to express concerns and take control of their lives.

Appropriate Conduct of Meetings

A practice ethics standard requiring group facilitators to run sessions in a professional, ethical, and structured manner.

Group Cohesion

The sense of trust, unity, and connection developed within a group when acceptable norms provide support and security.