Step 1: Identify/Clarify the Ethical Issue (2024)

FAQs

What is step 1 in ethical decision making? ›

Step 1: Define the problem

The most significant step in any decision-making process is to determine why a decision is called for and identify the desired outcome(s).

Step 1: Identify the Facts

This may help to resolve some conflicts and sets the stage for an effective process in others. Begin by asking the question, “What is the ethical issue that has been identified?”

Their framework for Ethical Decision making includes: Recognize the Ethical Issue, Get the Facts, Evaluate Alternative Actions, Make a Decision and Test it, Act and Reflect on the Outcome.

When answering questions about ethical dilemmas, it is important to acknowledge both points of view. However, be sure to decisively choose one point of view that you support and explain why you chose that path. This is another way problem solving abilities and decision making skills can be incorporated into an answer.

What is an example of an ethical decision? An example of an ethical decision in business could be a company choosing to invest in renewable resources despite being more costly, based on the belief of preserving the environment over maximizing their profits.

The most widely known is the one introduced by Beauchamp and Childress. This framework approaches ethical issues in the context of four moral principles: respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice (see table 1).

What are the 4 steps for solving ethical dilemmas? ›

Identify points of view. Gather resources and assistance. Have a plan. Take action based on ethical standards.

In this article, we define an “ethical issue” as any situation that may compromise, in whole or in part, the respect of at least one moral value (Swisher et al., 2005) that is considered socially legitimate and should thus be respected.

Step 2 is to identify the ethical issues in the case. This involves examining the facts of the case and asking what ethical issues are at stake. The third step is an identification of the norms, principles, and values related to the case.

Ethical principles relate to the way decision makers conduct themselves. This may include: Acting in the public interest; • Impartiality, honesty and fairness; • Diligence, consistency and timeliness; and • Respect for the interests, rights and safety of others.

Rest's four-step model provides the foundation for moral reasoning and includes the following steps: 1) identification of the ethical dilemma (ethical sensitivity); 2) application of moral judgment; 3) engagement of moral motivation; and 4) acting with moral intent.