ABSTRACT
Groups have been a staple method of social work intervention since the beginning of the profession’s origin. Throughout the life cycle, individuals encounter various groups; thus, group work is an important intervention for social workers. Social work pioneers utilized groups to facilitate socialization, help manage difficult life transitions, and further advocacy efforts. Mutual aid, one of group work’s primary principles, coincides with the social work value of the importance of human relationships. The power of group work has regularly been recognized for its healing and empowerment potential in work with various clients (Breton, 2000; Drower, 1993; Gitterman & Knight, 2016; Gutiérrez & Ortega, 1991; Williams, 2000). Globally, there are many social conditions that have found the power of groups to be beneficial such as crime, poverty, violence, HIV and AIDS, substance use, and sexual abuse (Shisana et al., 2013). As with any intervention modality, social workers need to be aware of potential ethical challenges that can arise in practice. Social work as a practicing profession requires ethical conduct (Lee, 2018; Teater, 2011). It is envisaged that this chapter will increase awareness of some of the ethical dilemmas social workers conducting groups may experience and point out proactive measures that can be taken to reduce these ethical quandaries.
