Ethical Decision Making Process Model

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Jaap de Jonge
Editor, Netherlands

7-Step Ethical Decision-making Process (Davis)

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1. State problem. For example, "there's something about this decision that makes me uncomfortable" or "do I have a conflict of interest?".
2. Check facts. Many problems disappear upon closer examination of situation, while others change radically.
3. Identify relevant factors. For example, persons involved, laws, professional code, other practical constraints ( e.g. under $200).
4. Develop list of options. Be imaginative, try to avoid "dilemma"; not "yes" or" no" but whom to go to, what to say.
5. Test options. Use such tests as the following:
- Harm test: Does this option do less harm than alternatives?
- Publicity test: Would I want my choice of this option published in the newspaper?
- Defensibility test: Could I defend choice of option before congressional committee or committee of peers?
- Reversibility test: Would I still think choice of this option good if I were adversely affected by it?
- Colleague test: What do my colleagues say when I describe my problem and suggest this option is my solution?
- Professional test: What might my profession's governing body for ethics committee say about this option?
- Organization test: What does the company's ethics officer or legal counsel say about this?
6. Make a choice based on steps 1-5
7. Review steps 1-6. What could you do to make it less likely that you would have to make such a decision again?
- Are there any cautions you can take as an individual ( and announce your policy on question, job change, etc.)?
- Is there any way to have more support next time?
- Is there any way to change the organization ( for example, suggest policy change at next departmental meeting)?
Source: Davis, Michael: Ethics and the University, 1999, New York: Routledge, p. 166-167