Making Ethical Decisions

Michael Josephson

What is Ethics

Ethics refers to principles that define behavior as right, good, and proper.

Such principles do not always dictate a single “moral” course of action, but provide a means of evaluating and deciding among competing interests.

The Six Pillars of Character(Source: Josephson, Making Ethical Decisions)

3. Responsibility

4. Fairness

5. Caring

6. Citizenship

2. Respect

1. Trustworthiness

The Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness

•Honesty

•Truthfulness

•Sincerity

•Candor

•Integrity

•Honesty in Conduct

•Reliability

•Loyalty

Respect•Civility, courtesy, and decency

•Dignity and autonomy

•Tolerance and acceptance

The Six Pillars of Character

Responsibility•Accountability

•Pursuit of Excellence

•Self Restraint

The Six Pillars of Character

Fairness•Process

•Impartiality

•Equity

The Six Pillars of Character

Caring•Kindness

•Benevolence

•Altruism

The Six Pillars of Character

Citizenship•Rights•Responsibilities•Authority (to govern)

The Six Pillars of Character

•Salvation of the community

Making Effective Decisions1. Recognizing important decisions

a. Could you or someone else suffer physical harm?

b. Could you or someone else suffer emotional pain?

c. Could the decision hurt your reputation, undermine your credibility, or damage important relationships?

d. Could the decision impede the achievement of any important goal?

Effective Decisions2. Effective decision

a. Did it accomplish what I wanted?

b. Did it effect my quality of life in a positive way?

c. Is this the best I could have done given the circumstances?

Effective Decisions3. Discernment and discipline

a. Discernment

b. Discipline

4. Stakeholders

Seven Steps to Better Decisions1. Stop and think

2. Clarify goals

3. Determine facts

4. Develop options

5. Consider consequences

6. Choose

7. Monitor and modify

Obstacles to Ethical Decisions

1. If it’s necessary, it’s ethical

2. The false necessity trap

3. If it’s legal and permissible, it’s proper

4. It’s just part of the job

5. It’s all for a good cause

Obstacles to Ethical Decisions6. I was just doing it for you

7. I’m just fighting fire with fire

8. It doesn’t hurt anyone

9. Everyone’s doing it

10. It’s okay if I don’t gain personally

Obstacles to Ethical Decisions11. I’ve got it coming