Part B (Q6): Write a note on values of social work.

Values are the core beliefs and fundamental principles that guide the social work profession. They dictate how social workers should view and treat their clients, how they should conduct themselves professionally, and what societal goals they should strive for. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, the core values of social work include:

1. Service

Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. They draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. The primary goal is to help clients achieve a better quality of life.

2. Social Justice

Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups. Their social change efforts are focused on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. They strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources for all.

3. Dignity and Worth of the Person

Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. They promote clients' socially responsible self-determination and seek to enhance clients' capacity and opportunity to change and address their own needs.

4. Importance of Human Relationships

Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as partners in the helping process. They seek to strengthen relationships among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and communities.

5. Integrity

Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. They are continually aware of the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. They act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated.

6. Competence

Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. They continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice.