Transcript Source: Josephson, Making Ethical Decisions

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)
1. Trustworthiness
4. Fairness
2. Respect
5. Caring
3. Responsibility
6. Citizenship
The Six Pillars of Character
Trustworthiness
•Honesty
•Honesty in Conduct
•Truthfulness •Integrity
•Sincerity
•Reliability
•Candor
•Loyalty
The Six Pillars of Character
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)
•Salvation of the community
Making Effective Decisions
1. 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 Decisions
2. 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 Decisions
3. Discernment and discipline
a. Discernment
b. Discipline
4. Stakeholders
Seven Steps to Better Decisions
1. 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 Decisions
6. 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 Decisions
11. I’ve got it coming