Countering Unethical Behavior in Social Work Leadership by Integrating Professional Humility

Author : Joanne Washington

Abstract :Fundamentally, ethical social work leaders at micro, mezzo and macro levels of social justice interventions follow professional edicts for a greater good. The joining of transformational leadership tenets with professional humility curates ideal ethical leadership in micro, mezzo and macro pursuits. Benevolent leadership interventions inherently present with a power dynamic intended to champion the greater good of all— individually, communally or globally. Micro level social justice work includes private clinical social work interventions primarily engaging in intimate individual, family or group work. This type of micro level work requires a refined leadership ethic intended to guide patients or groups towards ones own defined way of functioning. Mezzo level social justice pursuits includes an organization’s mission of engaging in advocacy for larger marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. Ethical leadership at mezzo levels have a wider range of influence simultaneously impacting the organization, supervisees and the populous served. Macro ethical leadership directly relates to dismantling exclusionary large-scale systems, intrenched structures and racist policies. Conversely, the macro unethical social work leader’s self-centered efforts hinder humanitarian advancements. This discussion aims to explore how joining transformative leadership and professional humility can be a useful tool in maintaining ethical social work leadership.

Keywords :Ethics, professional humility, social work leadership, transformational leadership, unethical leadership

Conference Name :International Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (ICSWESD-25)

Conference Place San Diego, USA

Conference Date 24th Jun 2025