There is a direct link between values and actions. When we perform an action we, and the act itself, may be judged according to the values expressed through that action (Shardlow 1989:p2)
             This assignment will discuss this statement by outlining how professional interpretation emerges from the way dilemmas between different values are resolved. The assignment considers a number of social work values including 'Respect to persons' and 'Self-Determinism'. Guidelines on ethical practice are included because their role in determining action based social work is significant. Throughout the assignment the relationship between ethical issues and value judgements will be examined in relation to scenario one. The assignment will show how awareness of personal values is the first process by which Anti-Discriminatory, Anti-Oppressive and Anti-Racist practices in social work are formed. To begin with, however, a general outline of 'values' is discussed. (Given the wide ranging nature of the question set I have decided to use italics when specific points are made in relation to the opening quote).
             A value can be defined in a variety of ways and are apparent in all we do. Personal values are therefore difficult to define. Timms offers an overview that "almost any kind of belief and obligation, anything preferred for any reason or for no apparent reason at all..." (Shardlow 1989 p4 own emphasis) can be viewed as a value. That an action has 'no apparent reason' highlights the problem of identifying a personal value base. In everyday social encounters, an 'average' person will not have to think about their actions (Bilton 1987), and one explanation of why values remain hidden and unconscious to the individual can be offered through societal norms. Values are adopted from the culture and society in which they live, and are therefore socially acceptable (Banks 1995). This idea of ...