2A Identify, access and interpret information about ethical responsibilities
The term ‘ethics’ refers to ideas about what is right and what is wrong. All cultures have rules and concepts that guide behaviour and express ideas and values about how to behave and live. Our personal ethics are based on our personal values and beliefs. We generally learn these as we grow up, and they are strongly culturally based. Examining what we believe and why can be challenging; in community services it is very important to be aware of our own values and beliefs and of how they influence our behaviour. You may face ethical dilemmas in your work where you have to choose between carrying out your professional responsibilities, following a workplace code of ethics, and following your own personal ethics.
