John walks past a fellow social worker’s desk and overhears parts of a conversation. The colleague is making demeaning comments about another professional to someone on the other end of the line. Later, during lunch, John asks his colleague about the conversation. The colleague states he was talking with a client. What ethical standard has been violated by the fellow social worker?
Explanation
Answer: A - Social workers should always avoid negative criticism towards other colleagues while in the presence of other professionals or clients. Respect should be demonstrated by accurately describing the views, obligations and qualifications of other colleagues. Demeaning comments may refer to race, sex, gender, age, color, marital status, political beliefs and competency.
