Ethical Decision Making

What Is An Ethical Decision?

• Related to a specific context
• Not self-serving
• Made in full disclosure
• Based on facts AND fair play
• More right than wrong

The Process to Being an Ethical Leader

• Mission Statement - Organization should develop a mission statement and clarify values.
• Sensitivity - Identify what conflicts may arise. What could the ethical dilemmas be?
• Tolerance - Redding - Be aware of the tolerance level for bad decisions within the organization.
• Apply Models - Don’t leave dilemmas up to "gut feelings". Connect decisions to something they can stick to such as codes, principles and thinking processes.
  

Questions to Ask Before a Decision *

1. Have you defined the problem accurately?
2. How would you define the problem if you stood on the other side of the fence?
3. How did this situation occur in the first place?
4. To whom and to what do you give your loyalty as a person and as a member of the organization?
5. What is your intention in making this decision?
6. How does this intention compare with the probable results?
7. Whom could your decision or action injure?
8. Can you discuss the problem with the affected parties?
9. Are you confident that it will be valid over time?
10. Could you disclose your w/out qualm your decision to your boss, your family, society?
11. What is the symbolic potential of your action if understood? misunderstood?
12. Under what conditions would you allow exceptions to your stand?

* Nash, 1987, as cited in: Komives, S.R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T.R. (1998) Exploring Leadership: For College Students Who Want to Make A Difference. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco (p. 270).

Litmus Tests for Ethical Decision Making

Redding - Heirarchy of Bad Management Decisions

Different people/organizations have different tolerance levels when it comes to ethical decisions.

1. Irritating or Annoying
2. Inefficient or Impractical
3. Insensitive
4. Incredibly Stupid
5. Dangerous
6. Clearly Immoral or Unethical
7. Clearly Illegal

Kitchener - Ethical Principles **

Ethical codes sometimes are not sufficient in making ethical decisions. Principles serve as a litmus test to help clarify an ethical dilemma.When faced with an ethical question, ask yourself if the decision is…..

Respecting Autonomy
People of freedom of thought and choice; privacy; informed consent; self-determination.

Benefitting Others
Interactions should be in the best interest of serving others.

Being Just
Be fair, consistent and impartial

Being Faithful
Keep promises, be loyal, truthful

** Adapted from: Shellogg, K., Daniell, D., & Goodstein, T. (November 1988). Teaching Ethics (pp. 58-65). Campus Activities Programming. As presented by David A. Rachita, UHCL, 1999.