System of Inquiry - Essay Example

The of ethics prepared by the American Psychological Association was tailor made for the membership. Moreover the presentation covers professional situations which encompassed human resources, integrity, confidentiality, and it even suggests to its members the importance of exhibiting a charitable posture on a regular basis. The code of ethics are really a realistic group of situations and circumstances which reflects considerable time, thought and care in its preparation. One can immediately discern the sensitivity and genuine concern for compliance and well being. The organization exhibits how it strives to assist its members in becoming more competent practitioners and meaningful community attributes. The code is quite extensive and given the perimeters of this paper, I was restrained from addressing the entire comprehensive content. Nonetheless, I have dealt with a number of relevant and pertinent issues which present a representative view of the entire document. 1 2 APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct CONTENT TOPIC ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Decision Making in a business setting What are the immediate responsibilities of a Psychologist How are Psychologists expected to be free of Bias Why is it important for a Psychologist to uphold the Concept of confidentiality When might a Psychologist reveal confidential Information Why will a Psychologist reveal confidential Information to a colleague about a client/patient or Organization How is sexual harassment defined and dealt with in The work place How do Psychologists minimize the intrusion of a Clients/patients privacy What decisions do Psychologists make regarding Fidelity and integrity 3 Decision making in a business setting What are the immediate responsibilities of a Psychologist Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty and truthfulness in the science, teaching and practice of psychology. In these activities Psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact. Psychologists strive to keep their promises and to avoid unwise or unclear commitments. (APA Code) However, there are a number of circumstances when a Psychologist might be compelled to push integrity and ethics aside and bend the truth because it may be beneficial to maximize benefits and minimize harm. Implementation of this aspect would surely be on a case-by-case basis, and I would not be amenable to facilitating this aspect unless the greater good involved the circumvention of a serious crime or some type of long-term trauma. As for the reaction of employees, I would think they would be positive about waylaying criminal activity and minimizing trauma. The (APA) organization reasonably accepts the reality that life sometimes deals an unlucky hand, and there are instances where temporary mitigation can be a useful and necessary tool. How are Psychologists expected to be free of bias The Psychologist is expected to accept, treat and offer counsel to everyone regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, age, socio economic status or disability. In accordance with this precept, whenever a Psychologist has a client/patient from the diversity of classes and types of persons in his care, he is to counsel and advise the individual on a scientific basis, without giving any consideration to the commonly perceived general biases. Obviously this aspect of the code would be difficult for the lay mind to adequately grasp. Nonetheless, the 4 Psychologists has been trained and is experienced to exercise scientific neutrality, thereby allowing the patient/client to provide his own personal overlay of life's experiences. Again all employees are also trained in the behavioral sciences and are aware that they must assume the canvass is blank until the patient/client begins to color it in his/her own unique way. This is precisely what the organization strives to accomplish. Treatment is to be purely scientific, based only on appropriate scientific tests and standards, which are weighted against the patient/client actions and reactions to the scientific stimuli. These stimuli could be presented in a variety of ways in an assortment of venues-it could be passive; observing the client/patient in a controlled environment-it could be verbal; having the client/patient respond to a series of disjointed or orderly questions-or it could take on the form of a physical task. In any event the measured outcome will provide base line data to justify future scientific tests and assessments. Why is it important for a Psychologist to uphold the concept of confidentiality This term is probably the hallmark of the profession. Therefore the promotion of strict compliance with its application enables clients to be uninhibited when they convey their thoughts, misgivings and fears. This aspect of the code is relatively easy to implement, because if the Psychologists reveal vital information about the patient/client without certain sanctions, then he would be guilty of a serious breach. This is by all means a standard within the profession and it not only applies to personal conversations with family, friends and acquaintances, it also applies to peers as well as the police, without justifiable cause. When might a Psychologist reveal confidential information One cannot emphasize too strongly the importance confidentiality plays in the practice of 5 personally identifiable information concerning their clients, or other recipients of their services which they obtain during the course of their work will they reveal unless (1) they take reasonable steps to disguise the person or organization; (2) the person or organization has consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so. (4.07 code) Here again there are instances where the Psychologist may disclose confidential information. However, the perimeters are narrow and clearly stated; This may be done only in instances which are mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as (1) provide needed professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, Psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose. (4.05 code) Employees are fully aware of how critical this issue is to their bosses practice and their longevity as well. Confidence is never sacrificed unless sanctioned. Consequently, it is a tempting one to preserve. Particularly in today's climate when a strong suggested prevalence stipulates that information is power. The implementation of the code on confidentiality would be done primarily on the honor system. The organization is amenable to absolute acquiescence with the law, and would therefore have no problem with working on this two-way street How is sexual harassment defined and dealt with in the workplace Foresee ability is the working term in the avoidance of creating an unhealthy and unsafe workplace or classroom. Psychologists are aware of the fact that sexual harassment is disguised in a number of different ways; sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature. In today's workplace, sexual harassment is no longer on one side 6 of the gender pool. The broadening of the gender victim pool has made the act more offensive to everyone. Consequently, the tolerance level is now much lower. All employees can relate to this indignity and they know the importance of absolute compliance. This aspect of the code can best be implemented with all parties adhering to the principle of; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Common decency and common sense will enable this aspect of the code to be met with very favorable reactions from employees, and with everyone respecting themselves and the rights of others around them. The organization will have resolved a very sticky wicket, without the presence of scandal and shame. How do Psychologists minimize the intrusion of a client's privacy Whenever a Psychologist prepares an oral or written report on a patient/client, he/she only writes down or retain the information which is pertinent to the particular case. Side comments are omitted and embellishments are avoided. The discussions on their work is primarily for scientific and professional purposes and these discussions are only held with persons who either have a scientific or professional interest in matters, which are of a similar dysfunction. These private anonymous notes which peers share among peers do not go further than the lips, eyes, and ears of those involved in the discussion. Employees are studiously aware that the Psychologist does not share all information on a client/patient, no matter if it is oral or written. Consequently, their full knowledge of this hallmark of confidentiality, coupled with the reality of a little knowledge is a dangerous and very unreliable commodity in the world of science, they accept this precept as a loyalty oath. What decisions do Psychologists make regarding fidelity and responsibility 7 Psychologists are very cognizant of their professional standing in the community, both professional and private. Their importance in their respective communities is such that they are Encouraged to maintain a high profile and contribute, rather than charge for services, whenever feasible. Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology. Obviously, there is not a need for employee sanction in this aspect of the code, and it is again one where it is an individually administered function. The organization will undoubtly function well with the positive exposure with the hours of community service it encourages its members to log. CONTENT TOPIC ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Problem solving in a business setting What is expected of the Psychologist When the ethics code establishes a Standard higher than the law Who among Psychologists is Obliged to resolve peer ethical Violations What steps must be taken when peer (informal) resolution does not attain appropriate solutions Problem solving in a business setting What is expected of the Psychologists when the ethics code establishes a higher standard 8 than the law In most instances when ever this situation arises, there is obviously a conflict in the making. The Psychologist is given the leeway to resolve the matter. Because of the larger public good inherent in the law, the Psychologist must give in to the dictates of the law. Employees understand this practice and willingly accept the occurrence. Again this is an individual undertaking and the organization recognizes and accepts the decision made by the affected party. Who among Psychologists is obliged to resolve peer ethical violations Whenever Psychologists believe there has been an ethical violation with one of their peers, they attempt to resolve the issue, with a one on one meeting with the offending party. This is done only after there appears not to be any confidentiality violations. This action is outside the purview of employees, so there would not be a reaction from this sector. Moreover, since it is a good-will gesture, there would not be any need for implementation. The organization is further solidified with this type of bonding. Also, in the event that the informal intervention is unsuccessful in resolving the matter, it is referred to the appropriate body for further review and resolution. 9 What is the acceptable behavior of a What are the limits of a Psychologist Psychologist in a business setting Competence What if any is the influence of emerging Areas on a Psychologists practice What if any is the influence of emerging areas on a Psychologist's practice What are multiple relationships When and under what circumstances Are Psychologists allowed to engage in a multiple Relationship What is the acceptable behavior of a Psychologist in a business setting What are the limits of a Psychologist competence The services of a Psychologist range from teaching, provider of services and the conduct of research. They are trained and have experience of dealing with a broad cross-section of the population which proves essential in the successful implementation of their services. Given the broad nature of their client spectrum, Psychologist have or obtain the necessary skills to exhibit a high level of competence. If the competency level for any given area is not at a comfortable peer acceptable level, then a referral is made. What if any is the influence of emerging areas on a Psychologists practice Whenever a Psychologist provides services in an area of the sciences which he has a low level of knowledge, he takes the necessary training or does the needed research to bring his 10 scientific knowledge and skills up to par. When the Psychologist is confronted with emerging areas he approaches the standard for preparatory training. He fully exhibits his desire to satisfy his quest for new scientific knowledge, by engaging himself with the training and research to achieve a peer accepted level of competence. It is through the emerging areas in his profession that his practice will remain vibrant. What are multiple relationships A multiple relationship occurs when a Psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) and at the same time is in another role with the same person (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person whom the Psychologist has the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person. (3.05 code) It is highly recommended that Psychologist strive to avoid multiple relationships, particularly when the result might manifest itself in presenting a bias, or hampering his/her competence. The code strictly forbids the formulation of multiple relationships. If for any circumstance one should occur, it must be terminated. Conclusion This paper has examined the professional posture of the practicing Psychologist, and the rules by which he must adhere if he is desirous of remaining a competent and respectable member of the Behavioral Science community. The code endeavors to cover the real of ed detailed eventualities and pitfalls which might beset or enhance the career of the Psychologist. It provides the professional with reasonable and 11 Detailed explanations of why certain conditions exist and why others will not be tolerated within the professional ranks. The matter of confidentiality sits as a benchmark, which must be firmly embedded and embraced in the Psychologists list of things to strictly adhere. Albeit, has many variations, they are all crucial to providing a quality service and maintaining credibility. That it not only be ingrained in the spirit, that it serves as an integral part of his practice. If a Psychologist is to be effective in his practice in the delivery of service and providing research, he must gain the faith and trust of his client/patient. The patient must be forthcoming with data so the Psychologist can process it and make him well. Before the patient will be forthcoming and share, he must feel confident that his Psychologist is one who takes his confidence in the utmost professional manner. The patient must be made to feel that he can spill his guts and no one ever knows except his professional confident. The code speaks extensively on confidentiality. It also places considerable emphasis on character and integrity. The code speaks of individuals who are above professional reproach. One is made to feel by the organizations presentation of the code, that when you encounter a Psychologist, you need not be concerned about the quality of person he/she is. The peer monitoring and bonding concept which the code exposes, speaks volumes on the ideals of excellence. The code fosters the image of a learned scientist who is engaged in both pedagogy and research, which substantiates his knowledge of the human condition. The code is a realistic presentation of rules which clearly has group and individual support. They are realistic and attainable. Works Cited American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, June 2003 Read More