Which ethical principle is concerned with the integrity of professional relationships in social work?

The principle of integrity is fundamental to maintaining professional relationships in social work. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness in interactions with clients and colleagues. Upholding integrity ensures that social workers act in a manner that is consistent with ethical standards, fostering trust with clients who rely on their expertise and support. This principle requires social workers to adhere to ethical guidelines, honor commitments, and avoid any form of misconduct that could damage the professional relationship.

In the context of social work, integrity involves not only being true to one's professional values but also acknowledging one's limitations and being accountable for one's actions. This accountability helps create an environment where clients feel safe to engage openly, which is vital for effective practice.

While other principles like service, social justice, and competence are also crucial aspects of social work, they do not specifically focus on the integrity of professional relationships. Service is about helping others and prioritizing clients' needs, social justice emphasizes advocating for equity and access, and competence relates to the social worker’s skills and knowledge. Integrity, however, directly underscores the quality of the professional relationships that enable effective social work practice.