In case of incompetence of a colleague, social workers should:

The correct response emphasizes the ethical obligation social workers have to maintain professional integrity and uphold the standards of practice within their field. Assisting a colleague in taking remedial action when feasible reflects a commitment to collaboration, support, and the overall improvement of service quality. Social workers are part of a professional community, and addressing issues related to competence is essential for protecting clients and ensuring effective service delivery.

This option promotes a constructive approach, focusing on resolution and support rather than confrontation or isolation. By offering assistance, social workers can guide colleagues toward seeking necessary training, supervision, or other resources to address their shortcomings. This attitude exemplifies the values of social work, including respect, dignity, and compassion.

The other options detract from the essence of professional collaboration and accountability. Working independently and avoiding interaction could lead to further disservice to clients and does not contribute to addressing the issue at hand. Criticizing a colleague in front of clients undermines professional relationships and could harm both the colleague's reputation and the client's trust in the social work profession. Ignoring incompetence altogether disregards the responsibility social workers have to advocate for clients and uphold ethical standards within their practice.