The Influence of Professional Capability on Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibility

Abstract

This study is on the influence of professional capability on social workers’ ethical responsibility in Social Welfare Centers, based on measurements of the recognition levels provided by the professional capability. I collected 570 samples from social workers who are presently working at social welfare centers, and analyzed the data using Hierarchical Regression Analysis. The results of this Study are: Hierarchical Regression Analysis, the level one analysis showed the effect of the general factors on ethical responsibility (1.8%). The level two analysis showed the added effect of the professional capability factor on ethical responsibility (55.7%). By adding the professional capability factor, the R2 of ethical responsibility increases 53.7%. These results are statistically significant. Ethical responsibility was affected significantly by level two professional capability subcategory factors of Organizational Context(β=.230), Professional Development(β=.215), Service Delivery System Context(β=.190), Basic Interpersonal Skill(β=.170), Skills for Intervention with Client Systems(β=.107). The implications for social workers are as follows. Social workers are responsible for the quality of their practice and seeking continuous growth in the knowledge and skills of their profession. Social workers should strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions. Social workers should keep current with emerging knowledge and skills (professional capability) of social work. Social workers should participate in continuing education relevant to social work practice and social work ethics.