This paper was published in a social work science relevant international journal. It is the result of the first stage of the postdoctoral project, when I dedicated considerable attention to the methodology of research itself (researching ethical decision-making is a demanding and under-research field). I collaborated with two other researchers (from Italy and USA), who are both academics in the field of social work ethics. According to journal metrics, the paper is now the fourt most read article in the journal - since mid November 2018 when it was published, until 20.05.2020, it was downloaded already by 9775 persons. Summary: Too often, discussions of research ethics focus on the steps needed to avoid fraud or protect human subjects. These topics, while essential, are only a fraction of the considerations for ethical research, and excessive attention to them can obscure other important and meaningful decisions. Ethical dilemmas are inherent throughout the research process, from the choice about what to study and how to study it through to analysis and dissemination of findings. Attention to these considerations is especially important for researchers in social work who, by their professional discipline, code of ethics, or research foci are expected to demonstrate particular sensitivity to vulnerable populations, issues of social justice, conflicts of interest, and respect for dignity and privacy. Rooted in three workshops held during ECSWR since 2014, this paper examines the nature of embedded ethical dilemmas, with special attention to the challenges related to the principle of nonmaleficence and to the role of the researcher. In light of illustrative examples, the paper presents recommendations and resources to build ethical awareness and research integrity beyond regulatory compliance.
COBISS.SI-ID: 5064037
This paper is a product of studying the need for researching ethics and professional identity in social work in Slovenia (first stage of the project). To uncover how do papers, published in the scientific journal Socialno delo [Social work] (or its predecessors) cover the topic of ethics, as well as social work professional identity, a number of texts, published between 1972 and 2018 is discussed. By doing this, it sheds light on the themes and orientations, which have - by publication in the journal - contributed to the theoretical, interpretative grounds and views on ethics and social work identity in Slovenia. This grounds are definitely relevant for the understandings and legitimations of what is social work in Slovenia, what are its goals, values, authority, limitations, etc., so it would be reasonable to ponder and publish even more on ethics and professional identity than until now.
COBISS.SI-ID: 5302373
This paper was developed in a collaborative and comparative method along with a researcher from Scotland. As my research was exploring the influences on ethical decision-making and professional identity, it became clear that the changing spatial circumstances are not without effect. Similar was detected by prof. Helm, so we jointly developed a new theme in understanding the conditions for professional practice in social work. Summary: The past decades have witnessed a change in the conditions, forms, technologies and spaces of work – and the traditional ‘workplace’ of many professions has changed. One of the settings in which the profession of social work takes place – the social work office – has also been changed by for example information and communication technologies, but also by approaches such as agile working and open-space offices. How is this shaping the social workers’ experience of daily practice, exchange and interaction with colleagues and practice knowledge generation? This paper presents insights from ethnographic research in the settings of children and families social work in Scotland and Slovenia. It discusses the value and experience that the working space has for social workers, elaborates on the impact and value of material (personal) objects in the workplace for workers (as well as for how these construct their public identity) and argues that space and place are extremely important to how the services are experienced.
COBISS.SI-ID: 5252453
The chapter in a scientific monograph describes the first findings on ethical practice and social work professional identity in the context of this project. These are illuminated specifically through the lens of the documentary method. In writing this chapter, I worked together with prof. Franz, who conducts research on similar topics in Germany (we jointly lectured about these topics at the FHS Neubrandenburg [COBISS.SI-ID 4489317]). The chapter was well received; it is discussed by prof. dr. Ralf Bohnsack, who developed the documentary method, in his new book (Bohnsack, R. (2020): professionalisierung in praxeologischer Perspektive: Zur Eigenlogik der Praxis in Kehramt, Sozialer Arbiet und Fruhpadagogik. Verlag Barbara Budrich: Opladen & Toronto) .
COBISS.SI-ID: 4970085
This paper was developed as part of the research project that is dealing with professional identity and ethical dilemmas. I invited five esteemed professors in social work ethics from five countries (UK, Netherlands, Italy, USA, Canada) to comment on a case of an ethical dilemma of a social worker in Slovenia. The results show a fascinating array of perspectives on the same topic. Summary: In this co-authored article, one contributor presents a case story from an interview with a social worker in Slovenia, while five others offer commentaries on ethical aspects of the case. The story comes from a practitioner working with a pregnant young woman, arranging for adoption following birth. The social worker respected the woman's request to keep her identity secret, hence not registering her in the institutional records. However, whilst the social worker was on holiday, the baby was born and anonymity was not maintained. Commentaries 1 and 2 evaluate the story through its form: as a narrative with a tempo and plot; and as a performance that creates its narrator as an agent with an ethical identity. Commentary 3 uses a normative moral philosophical framework (virtue ethics), while the final two commentaries take a more grounded approach. Commentary 4 views the social worker as using discretion to act in a space void of rules (there is no provision for anonymous birth), whereas Commentary 5 foregrounds the Slovenian code of ethics as a source of ethical standards unremarked upon by the social worker. The article ends with reflections on the value of exploring multiple perspectives and engaging in dialogue in developing ethical understandings and actions.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14714371