Bakalinsky's conundrum: Should social workers practice in the world of work?

The question of whether professional social workers carl practice ethically under corporate auspices was the focus of a classic manuscript by Rosalie Bakalinsky. Published in Social Work in 1980, the article concluded that th e ethical issues were insuperable and hence social work practitioners shoul d not enter this world. now 18 years later, a colleague who has chosen to s pecialize in the occupational social work field of practice reflects on Bak alinsky's insights. While noting his respect for Bakalinsky's reasoning, an d for the courage of her position, the author explains his rationale for ar riving at a different conclusion.