Ethical Dilemma Evaluation & Testing Options
Ethical Dilemma Evaluation Checklist
- Purpose: To guide real estate licensees in identifying and understanding an ethical issue before attempting to resolve it.
Key Questions in Defining an Ethical Dilemma
- Clarity and Realism:
- Is the ethical issue defined clearly and realistically?
- Objective Perspective:
- How would a stranger perceive the issue?
- Source of the Issue:
- Was the issue caused by an act of omission (failure to act) or commission (intentional action)?
- Timing Sensitivity:
- Is the problem time-sensitive, or was it caused by the timing of events?
Licensee's Responsibilities
- Loyalty Obligations:
- Do I or my brokerage owe a duty of loyalty to any party involved?
- Decision Authority:
- Is making this decision within my authority, or does it belong to someone else?
Personal Assessment by the Licensee
- Suitability to Decide:
- Am I the most suitable person to make this decision?
- Dependence on Others:
- Does my decision depend on the actions or decisions of others?
- Self-Interest and Conflicts:
- Do I have any self-interest in the outcome, or are there any conflicts of interest?
Final Questions in the Checklist
- Discussion with Affected Parties:
- Can I discuss the issue with the affected parties before making a decision?
- Resolution Options:
- What are my possible resolution options for the ethical dilemma?
Purpose of Testing Ethical Options
- Evaluation: To evaluate if the preferred option can effectively resolve the ethical dilemma.
- Unintended Consequences: To avoid unintended issues that may arise from the chosen option.
- Impact Consideration: To consider the impacts of the chosen option on all parties involved.
Key Considerations When Testing Ethical Options
- Reflection: Thoughtful consideration of the ethical implications.
- Objectivity: Minimize emotional bias to ensure clarity and fairness in decision-making.