Foundation of the Code Of Ethics Research Assignment

FOUNDATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
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Mandatory versus Aspirational Ethics
Mandatory ethics is a method of ethical adherence which provides baseline behavioral standards for professional performance. Mandatory ethics relate to professional requirements that are legally put in place in order to keep professional counselors out of legal trouble. Although they are important, they tend to be restrictive and therefore represent minimum standards of ethical performance. Adhering to mandatory ethics is considered a limiting option because it only achieves the minimum standards for professional performance and development for both client and counselor (Sheperis, Henning, & Kocet, n.d.). The decision-making aspect of mandatory ethics often negates the ability of the counselor to apply their values and beliefs in conscious ethical processes of decision-making. As a result, the counselor’s personal progress is severely inhibited in terms of growth and moral development. In other words, mandatory ethics has critical limitations characterized by subjective, linear, and reactive responses by a counselor and client. Although useful and valid in helping a counselor avoid legal trouble in ethical decision-making process, it does not always align with the client’s best interests.
On the other hand, aspirational ethics represents a method of ethical adherence wh...