Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work: A Comparative Analysis of Practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro

Ramija Osmanović, Anida Dudić-Sijamija

Abstract


In contemporary social work practice, ethics are the foundation of professional practice, while a responsible approach to ethical challenges is essential for preserving the integrity of the profession and protecting vulnerable user groups. This research, based on a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with social workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro (N=10), sheds light on the everyday ethical dilemmas that these professionals face in their professional practice. The most common ethical dilemmas relate to balancing the rights of users and the interests of the family, respecting their autonomy, and ensuring the safety and well-being of users. Respondents emphasize the importance
of transparent communication and consistent application of ethical and legal standards. The findings indicate marked differences in institutional support: social workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina have access to structured forms of assistance, including team meetings, training, and legal support. In contrast, their colleagues from Montenegro rely more on personal resources and informal peer support, which leads to higher levels of stress and professional insecurity. Respondents emphasize the need to improve
institutional mechanisms through continuous education, supervision, mentoring support and the establishment of clear ethical guidelines, in order to enable consistent and responsible resolution of ethical dilemmas in everyday work.


Keywords


ethical dilemmas; social work; professional practice; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Montenegro

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.51558/2490-3647.2025.10.2.1149

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