Social work is a collaborative profession. Whether it’s research, program development, advocacy, or clinical innovation, we often build on the work of others. The NASW Code of Ethics makes it clear: integrity isn’t just about what we don’t do — it’s also about what we do acknowledge.
Section 4.08 addresses a form of ethical practice that sometimes gets overlooked: giving credit where credit is due.
4.08 Acknowledging Credit
(a) Social workers should take responsibility and credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed and to which they have contributed.
(b) Social workers should honestly acknowledge the work of and the contributions made by others.
This section reminds us to stay grounded in humility and honesty. In a profession that thrives on collaboration, it can be tempting — especially under pressure — to highlight our own role while forgetting the input of colleagues, supervisees, or even clients. But ethical social work means recognizing contributions transparently.
Failing to credit others isn’t just a faux pas — it can be a breach of ethics.
Claiming sole authorship for a group project, community report, or article? That’s a problem.
Letting someone else attach your name to something you didn’t work on? Also a problem.
The Code sets a clear expectation: you own your part, and you recognize everyone else’s.
Co-authorship must reflect actual contribution
An ASWB exam item might describe a team of social workers writing a grant proposal. The best answer would involve shared credit aligned with who contributed what.
Refusing to acknowledge someone else's work can be unethical
A scenario may show a social worker omitting a supervisee’s input in a published report. Look for an answer that highlights the importance of recognition.
Social workers shouldn’t exaggerate credentials or experience
While this overlaps with Section 4.06, the exam may blend concepts. Watch for questions about a social worker taking credit for outcomes they didn’t produce.
Integrity applies in academic and non-academic settings
You might see a question about community organizing or program development, not just published writing. Proper credit still matters.
How this material might show up on the exam:
A social worker collaborates with a colleague to create a new assessment tool for use in their agency. When the agency director submits the tool to a national conference, only the director’s name is listed as the creator. The colleague is upset. What is the most ethical action for the social worker to take?
A. File a complaint with the NASW for professional misconduct.
B. Request that the director add the social worker’s name to future versions.
C. Meet with the director to discuss the oversight and request that appropriate credit be given.
D. Since the tool belongs to the agency, take no action.
Have your answer?
Breaking it down: A may be premature; direct resolution is preferable before filing complaints; B minimizes the issue and fails to address current misrepresentation; D overlooks the ethical responsibility to acknowledge contributions. That makes C the best answer — it aligns with 4.08(b)’s call for honest acknowledgment of contributions and supports professional integrity through direct communication.
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