7 Steps Path to Ethical Decision Making

What is Step 1?

Stop and Think.

Why should you stop and think?

To slow down, avoid a rash decision, and make a thoughtful and calculated choice.

What is Step 2?

Recognize that an Ethical Issue exists (or not).

What questions should you ask in Step 2?

Could my decision harm those involved? Could it harm my department? What do the rules say? What do regulations say? What do my morals say?

What is Step 3?

Establish the facts around your dilemma.

What should you determine first when establishing facts?

What you know and what you need to know.

What should you evaluate about information sources?

Reliability and credibility.

What should you do if you don't have enough facts?

Consult with someone else.

What is Step 4?

Develop and evaluate options.

What type of options should you consider?

Only ethically sound options.

Which option should generally be preferred?

The option producing the most good and least harm.

Which option should be chosen regarding rights?

The one that respects the rights of everyone involved.

Which option should be chosen regarding fairness?

The one that treats people equally, justly, and fairly.

Which option best serves the community?

The one that best serves the department and community as a whole.

Which option reflects strong personal character?

The one that helps you act as the sort of person you want to be.

What is Step 5?

Consider the consequences.

What should you eliminate in Step 5?

Any option that violates ethical standards, rules, regulations, or expectations.

What is the key question in Step 5?

Who will be affected and how will they be affected?

What is Step 6?

Make the decision.

If you're unsure, who should you consult?

Someone whose judgment you respect.

What ethical role-model question should you ask?

What would they do?

What public-disclosure question should you ask yourself?

Would I be proud and comfortable if everyone knew about my decision?

What ethical principle should guide your decision?

Follow the Golden Rule.

What is the Golden Rule?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

What is Step 7?

Monitor and modify your decision.

What question should you ask after making a decision?

What did I learn from this situation?

What should you do if the decision doesn't produce the intended result?

Reassess the situation and make a new decision.

In the jail scenario, what is the ethical issue?

A correctional officer is offered $1,000 to bring an inmate an unauthorized cell phone.

What should be used to solve the jail scenario?

The 7-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model