Choice of Options

Abstract

Central to sound decision making is being aware of and explicit about how choices are being made. There are two sets of ethics that influence making a choice in social work, those concerned with achieving a good outcome and those concerned with doing what is right, while emotions can push decision makers in various and at times contradictory directions. What is needed is a systematic appraisal of the options on some appropriate basis, but there is considerable potential for confused, inconsistent and vague thinking. In this chapter potential bases of choice will be divided into three categories: what the possible outcomes of the options are thought to be including the question of risk; whether the options are considered ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in themselves; and the emotional appeal or repulsion of the options. For the sake of clarity, the reasons for the choice of an option will be treated as separate categories, but they are not mutually exclusive and in practice all three can be involved in the appraisal of the options.