Professional Behaviour - Scopeand Professional Boundaries

Case study

Cassandra, a first-year student at university, decides to visit the university career centre to find out about similar qualifications in the commerce stream.

Upon arrival, she meets Mr Adam, the new career practitioner, who is overly friendly. After initial introductions, Mr Adam startles Cassandra by telling her she is beautiful. Ignoring this, Cassandra proceeds to talk about the qualifications she is interested in but uncertain about.

Mr Adam, not paying attention to Cassandra's concerns, tells her that her clothing is very flattering on her. Cassandra is not only irritated at this point but also feels self-conscious and no longer safe in the session. Mr Adam then proceeds to ask her very personal questions and asks if she would like to "go out" with him sometime. Without entertaining this behaviour, Cassandra walks out of the session and immediately reports Mr Adam's conduct to the senior manager.

What are boundaries?

Boundaries refer to the limits and rules agreed upon between a practitioner and a client. Within these boundaries, a sense of safety is created for both parties, and the practitioner is responsible for maintaining them. These rules also serve to protect both the practitioner and the client, and relate closely to the practitioner's scope of competence.

What is the purpose of boundaries?

Boundaries ensure that the practitioner assists clients only in the areas they are trained and mandated to support, and that they refer the client on when a matter falls outside that boundary. Establishing boundaries also protects the overall process and maintains a healthy, professional relationship between the parties.

Boundaries that enhance the professional relationship are typically grounded in five basic ethical principles:

1. Justice - A practitioner must provide a service that is equal and just for all clients, regardless of age, gender, race or other characteristics.

2. Non-maleficence - This principle is about "doing no harm". A practitioner must strive at all times to ensure they cause no harm to their clients.

3. Beneficence - Under this principle, the practitioner is responsible for acting in the best interests of the client, with the expectation that the client will genuinely benefit from the sessions.

4. Fidelity - This principle focuses on honesty and the practitioner's commitment to their client's progress.

5. Autonomy - This principle focuses on encouraging the client to be independent in their thinking, decision-making and sense of self.

A closely related and equally important practice is referral: when a client's needs extend beyond a career development practitioner's professional boundary, the client should be referred to a suitably trained and qualified person who can meet those further needs.

Conclusion

By applying these principles, practitioners are able to set healthy boundaries without alienating clients. Each principle is important in its own right and should be upheld to protect both parties in the professional relationship.