Question 1

Where do the ethics of our profession come from? How do we know they are "right"?

Accepted Answer

The ethics of our profession can come from a variety of sources, including professional codes of conduct, legal regulations, cultural norms, and personal values. For example, many professions have established ethical guidelines and standards that practitioners are expected to adhere to, such as the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics or the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.

In addition, legal regulations and industry standards often play a role in shaping the ethics of a profession. For example, financial professionals are required to adhere to regulations set forth by government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, while healthcare professionals must follow guidelines established by organizations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Cultural norms and personal values also influence the ethics of a profession. For example, in some cultures, certain business practices may be considered unethical, while in others they may be acceptable. Similarly, individuals may have personal values that guide their ethical decision-making in their professional lives.

As for how we know these ethics are "right," it ultimately comes down to a combination of legal requirements, professional standards, and personal values. While there may not be a definitive answer to what is "right" in every situation, professionals are expected to use their best judgment and consider the potential impact of their actions on others. Additionally, ongoing discussions and debates within professional communities can help to shape and refine ethical standards over time. Ultimately, the "rightness" of professional ethics is a complex and ongoing conversation within each profession.

Question 2

What is the proper course of action if you disagree with an element of the ethical code? What do we do if we have a dilemma and the codes under which we operate disagree?

Accepted Answer

If you find yourself disagreeing with an element of the ethical code relevant to your profession or organization, or if you encounter a dilemma where different ethical codes conflict, the following steps can guide you through a proper course of action:

1. **Understand the Code**: Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the ethical code in question. Sometimes disagreements arise from misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about the specifics of the code.

2. **Reflect on the Disagreement**: Identify the specific aspect of the code with which you disagree and reflect on why you disagree. Consider whether your disagreement is based on personal values, practical considerations, or a belief that the code is ethically flawed.

3. **Seek Clarification and Guidance**: Consult with a supervisor, ethics officer, or a member of the ethics committee within your organization. They can provide clarification on the code's intent and guidance on how to handle your disagreement.

4. **Professional Consultation**: If the issue remains unresolved, seek advice from colleagues or professionals outside your organization. They may offer a different perspective or share how they have dealt with similar situations.

5. **Review Professional Literature**: Look for articles, case studies, and professional opinions that might shed light on your dilemma. Academic and professional literature can provide insights into how others have interpreted and applied ethical principles.

6. **Consider the Consequences**: Think about the potential outcomes of acting against the code. Weigh the risks and benefits of your actions, not only for yourself but also for your clients, colleagues, and the reputation of your profession.

7. **Document Your Decision-Making Process**: Keep a record of the steps you have taken to resolve the ethical dilemma, including consultations, reflections, and the reasoning behind your decisions. Documentation can be crucial if your actions are later called into question.

8. **Propose Changes**: If you believe that the ethical code is flawed, consider proposing changes through the appropriate channels within your organization or professional body. Engage in constructive dialogue about how the code could be improved.

9. **Follow Formal Procedures**: If you decide to act contrary to the ethical code, be prepared to follow any formal procedures for dissent or conscientious objection that your profession or organization has in place.

10. **Prepare for Consequences**: Understand that deviating from an established ethical code may have consequences, including disciplinary action. Be prepared to justify your actions and accept the potential repercussions.

11. **Continuous Education**: Engage in ongoing education about ethical practices in your field. Ethical standards can evolve, and staying informed can help you navigate future dilemmas more effectively.

When ethical codes conflict, the process becomes more complex. You may need to prioritize the principles involved, considering which code more closely aligns with the core values of your profession and the greater good. In such cases, seeking consensus through dialogue with all affected parties can be particularly important. Always aim to act in a manner that upholds the integrity of your profession and serves the best interests of those affected by your decisions.

Question 3

In what ways do values assumptions influence ethical standards?

Accepted Answer

Values and assumptions play a critical role in shaping ethical standards, as they form the foundation upon which individuals and societies determine what is considered right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable. Here are several ways in which values and assumptions influence ethical standards:

1. **Cultural Context**: Different cultures have unique values that influence their ethical norms. For example, a society that values community and collectivism may prioritize social harmony and the common good in their ethical standards, while a culture that values individualism might emphasize personal rights and autonomy.

2. **Religious Beliefs**: Many ethical standards are derived from religious teachings and assumptions about the nature of the divine, the purpose of life, and the afterlife. For instance, the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism influences ethical behavior with the assumption that one's actions will affect their future.

3. **Philosophical Ideologies**: Philosophical assumptions about human nature and the world can shape ethical standards. For example, utilitarianism, which assumes that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness, leads to ethical standards that focus on the consequences of actions rather than their intrinsic nature.

4. **Moral Principles**: Fundamental moral principles such as fairness, justice, and respect for autonomy are based on underlying values. These principles become benchmarks for ethical standards, guiding behavior in personal and professional contexts.

5. **Legal Systems**: Assumptions about rights, responsibilities, and the role of government influence the creation of laws and regulations, which in turn reflect and enforce societal ethical standards.

6. **Economic Systems**: Values and assumptions about wealth distribution, property rights, and market dynamics can influence ethical standards related to business practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

7. **Educational Philosophies**: What is taught in educational institutions reflects the values and assumptions of a society, which then shape the ethical standards of the next generation. For example, an emphasis on critical thinking might encourage ethical standards that value questioning and continuous learning.

8. **Social Norms**: Assumptions about what behaviors are typical or desirable within a group can lead to informal ethical standards that govern social interactions, such as norms around politeness, hospitality, or reciprocity.

9. **Historical Context**: The historical experiences of a society, including past injustices or conflicts, can influence current values and ethical standards. For instance, a society that has experienced oppression may place a high value on human rights and equality.

10. **Personal Experiences**: Individual values and assumptions, often shaped by personal experiences, family upbringing, and education, influence one's personal ethical standards. These personal standards can affect how one behaves and interacts with others, potentially influencing broader societal norms.

In summary, values and assumptions are integral to the development and application of ethical standards. They provide the lens through which people interpret the world and make judgments about what is ethically acceptable or unacceptable. Understanding the interplay between values, assumptions, and ethical standards is essential for navigating moral dilemmas and fostering ethical behavior within societies.

Question 4

What are the unique ethical dilemma in regards to the Internet? Cybercounseling?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the unique ethical dilemma in...

Question 5

How can you increase the probability of engaging in ethical practice as a career counselor?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How can you increase the probability of...

Question 6

What ethical concerns are associated with using the Internet in career development interventions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What ethical concerns are associated with using...

Question 7

Discuss two of the most common ethical issues in career counseling?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss two of the most common ethical...

Question 8

List and define the five guiding principles of professional practice outlined by VanHoose (1986).

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and define the five guiding principles...

Question 9

Provide an ethical case study and have the students respond.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide an ethical case study and have...

Question 10

The 2 x 2 matrix used to classify career practitioners' actions includes behavior that is
A) right and wrong.
B) both moral and legal.
C) true and false.
D) legal and ethical.

Accepted Answer

The 2 x 2 matrix used to classify career practitioners' actions typically includes dimensions of legality and ethics, distinguishing between actions that are legal, illegal, ethical, and unethical. This helps in understanding the complex nature of professional decisions and actions.

Question 11

In terms of legal and ethical issues, consultation is
A) a valuable tool to avoid jail and lawsuits.
B) unnecessary, as counselors learn more than they need to know in their classes.
C) a strategy to avoid legal and ethical pitfalls.
D) not important if counselors can prove that they talked to somebody.

Accepted Answer

Consultation is a strategy to avoid legal and ethical pitfalls as it allows counselors to seek guidance and ensure they are adhering to professional standards and regulations.

Question 12

State laws and ethical standards are congruent
A) always.
B) rarely.
C) never .
D) not always.

Accepted Answer

State laws and ethical standards do not always align perfectly. There are instances where what is legally permissible may not be ethically acceptable, and vice versa.

Question 13

According to Kidder (1995), an "ethical dilemma" involves
A) a decision between right and wrong.
B) instances when there are competing 'rights" or there is a struggle to determine the "least bad" course of action.
C) a decision that can not be boiled down to right and wrong but involves the best choice to make.
D) instances when there are competing "truths" or there is a struggle to determine the best course of action.

Accepted Answer

Kidder (1995) describes an ethical dilemma as a situation involving competing 'rights' or determining the 'least bad' course of action, rather than a simple choice between right and wrong.

Question 14

Compared to ethical codes or statutes, ethical principles
A) are equally helpful.
B) are less helpful.
C) provide a more solid framework for decision making.
D) are less flexible and allow an individual to know exactly what to do in a given situation.

Accepted Answer

Ethical principles provide a more solid framework for decision making because they are based on fundamental values and beliefs, while ethical codes and statutes are more specific and may not always be applicable to every situation.

Question 15

Regarding medical ethics, Beauchamp and Childress (2001) address
A) veracity, privacy, and confidentiality.
B) veracity, euthanasia, and fidelity.
C) privacy, malpractice, and fidelity.
D) confidentiality, licensing, and fidelity.

Accepted Answer

Beauchamp and Childress's principles of biomedical ethics include respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice. Veracity (truth-telling), privacy, and confidentiality are aligned with these principles, emphasizing the importance of honesty, protecting patient information, and respecting patient autonomy.

Question 16

When questions pertain to proper practice all of the following principles can be used to help career professionals identify appropriate behaviors except:
A) respectfulness
B) loyalty
C) self-awareness
D) integrity

Accepted Answer

Loyalty, while important in many contexts, is not a principle used to identify appropriate professional behaviors in the context of career professionalism. Principles like respectfulness, self-awareness, and integrity directly relate to ethical and appropriate professional behaviors, guiding how professionals interact with others, understand their biases and limitations, and adhere to moral and ethical standards. Loyalty, on the other hand, pertains more to allegiance or fidelity to a person, group, or cause, which may not always align with or help identify appropriate professional behaviors.

Question 17

Related to ethical codes,
A) malpractice is increased by the presence of so many sets of ethical codes.
B) malpractice is decreased by the presence of so many sets of ethical codes.
C) it would be desirable (according to the authors) to have one integrated set of ethical codes.
D) there are only two sets of codes that affect counselors.

Accepted Answer

Having one integrated set of ethical codes would provide clarity and consistency, reducing confusion and potential conflicts among different sets of codes.

Question 18

Underlying all questions (and answers) related to ethical and legal behavior in career development interventions are
A) legal statutes.
B) values clarifications.
C) moral opinions.
D) values assumptions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Underlying all questions (and answers) related to...

Question 19

When a client's concerns include depressive feelings, low self-esteem, and other serious mental health issues, career counselors should
A) automatically refer the client to a competent mental health professional.
B) assess whether they can adequately deal with the problem at hand or should refer the client to another professional.
C) handle the case as they have been trained to do.
D) assess what the client wants to work on.

Accepted Answer

Career counselors should assess whether they have the competence to address the client's mental health issues or if a referral to a mental health professional is necessary.

Question 20

Dealing with ethical issues and values, Herr and Niles (1988) stress awareness of all of the following except
A) personal values.
B) the client's values.
C) values being propagated at the national level.
D) values the client and clinician share.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dealing with ethical issues and values, Herr...

Quiz 14: Ethical Issues in Career Development Interventions

Where do the ethics of our profession come from? How do we know they are "right"?

What is the proper course of action if you disagree with an element of the ethical code? What do we do if we have a dilemma and the codes under which we operate disagree?

In what ways do values assumptions influence ethical standards?

What are the unique ethical dilemma in regards to the Internet? Cybercounseling?

How can you increase the probability of engaging in ethical practice as a career counselor?

What ethical concerns are associated with using the Internet in career development interventions?

Discuss two of the most common ethical issues in career counseling?

List and define the five guiding principles of professional practice outlined by VanHoose (1986).

Provide an ethical case study and have the students respond.

The 2 x 2 matrix used to classify career practitioners' actions includes behavior that is

In terms of legal and ethical issues, consultation is

State laws and ethical standards are congruent

According to Kidder (1995) , an "ethical dilemma" involves

Compared to ethical codes or statutes, ethical principles

Regarding medical ethics, Beauchamp and Childress (2001) address

When questions pertain to proper practice all of the following principles can be used to help career professionals identify appropriate behaviors except:

Related to ethical codes,

Underlying all questions (and answers) related to ethical and legal behavior in career development interventions are

When a client's concerns include depressive feelings, low self-esteem, and other serious mental health issues, career counselors should

Dealing with ethical issues and values, Herr and Niles (1988) stress awareness of all of the following except