Development of social work values and ethics in a Greek field placement

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the research findings from two focus groups (2013) set up to validate and enhance understanding of the findings emerged from the original PhD study (2010) regarding the development of social work values and ethics during a final field placement in Greece. The findings of the focus groups support the original study’s findings, but take them one step further by providing more in-depth information. They help to extend knowledge by revealing novel aspects evolving from each original finding discussed. The key messages from the study reveal the complex process of developing values and ethics in field contexts and underline the need for further research in the progression and development of a student’s ethical awareness and capability.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work values
• social work ethics
• field placement
• ethical development
• focus groups
• social work students
• Greece

Notes

1 The final placement of students comes after the two first blocks of field placement (I and II) in the 5th and 6th semesters of study. The final placement is undertaken at the 8th (final) semester of study, taking place on a daily basis, and lasts six months.