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Ethics 5

The document outlines a framework for ethical decision-making, consisting of ten steps that guide individuals through identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas. Key steps include defining the problem, determining whether an ethical dilemma exists, gathering information, reviewing applicable codes of ethics, and evaluating the outcomes. The framework emphasizes the importance of context, values, and consultation throughout the decision-making process.

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12 views15 pages

Ethics 5

The document outlines a framework for ethical decision-making, consisting of ten steps that guide individuals through identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas. Key steps include defining the problem, determining whether an ethical dilemma exists, gathering information, reviewing applicable codes of ethics, and evaluating the outcomes. The framework emphasizes the importance of context, values, and consultation throughout the decision-making process.

Uploaded by

geeta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Framework for Ethical

Decision Making
Step One: Describe the
Problem
• Ethical problems are always
embedded in a context.
• Circumstances impact upon the
problem definition (for whom does
the problem exist? What is the
setting?)
• Beware of the tendency to look
toward the clinical or purely legal
perspective for guidance.
Step Two: Determine
Whether There Is an
Ethical Dilemma
• X versus Y
• ____ versus ____
• “good” versus “bad” options
• “good” versus “good” options
• “bad” versus “bad” options
Step Two: Determine
Whether There Is an
Ethical Dilemma
• Terms of an ethical dilemma must
be ethical in nature, not legal.
• If something is a law, you then
have the ethical choice to follow
the law or not.
Tools for Ethical
Analysis

• Clarity
• Consistency
• Coherence
• Applicability
• Adequacy
Step Three: Identify
and Rank the Key
Values and Principles
• What reasons can you provide for
prioritizing one competing value
over another?
• Understand that a resolution to a
dilemma which goes against an
individual’s personal set of values
has very little chance of success.
Step Four: Gather Your
Information
• Do you have all the known facts?
• Do you understand the applicable laws
or legalities?
• Do you have all relevant policies
available to review?
• Are you clear about the individual’s
views and personal values?
* Don’t hesitate to seek out
consultation.
Step Five: Review Any
Applicable Code of
Ethics
• Not legal documents, but professionals
are bound to tenets and can be sued for
breach
• Look for the following:
-- mission statement
-- values base of the organization
-- ethical principles to guide practice
-- ethical standards
• Codes can be revised or updated as
needed
Step Six: Determine
the Options
• List all possible actionable options
• Weigh the cost/benefits of each
option
• Seek out additional points of view
Step Seven: Select a
Course of Action
1) Discard the least desirable
option.
2) Discard any which you can not
put into action.
3) Discard any options which violate
the values systems of those
affected.
4) Recognize that your final choice
will be impacted by your personal
Step Eight: Put Your
Plan Into Action
• Reflect on the outcomes with a
sense that you have truly
approached this ethical dilemma
with the best of intentions and to
the best of your ability.
Step Nine: Evaluate
• Evaluate the consequences for
each person involved (client,
family members, co-workers,
agency, etc.)
• Consider submitting your most
difficult cases to an ethics review
board or peer consultants for
feedback.
Step Ten
• Discuss the case with your ethical
review committee or board

• Don’t have one? Create one or


refer to attorney and CA for audit
Case Study Small
Groups
• Select a recorder/reporter
• Read the case together
• Follow the framework steps as possible
• Discuss and define the primary ethical
dilemma within each case
• Discuss the steps as a group
• Come up with a plan of action
• Present findings and discuss process
Thank you!

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