STEPS IN DECISION-MAKING

Making good ethical decisions requires a trained sensitivity to ethical issues and a practiced method for
exploring the ethical aspects of a decision and weighing the considerations that should impact our
choice of a course of action. Having a method for ethical decision making is absolutely essential. When
practiced regularly, the method becomes so familiar that we work through it automatically without
consulting the specific steps.

The more novel and difficult the ethical choice we face, the more we need to rely on discussion and
dialogue with others about the dilemma. Only by careful exploration of the problem, aided by the
insights and different perspectives of others, can we make good ethical choices in such situations.

1. Recognizing an Ethical Issue

One of the most important things to do at the beginning of ethical deliberation is to locate, to the extent
possible, the specifically ethical aspects of the issue at hand. Sometimes what appears to be an ethical
dispute is really a dispute about facts or concepts. Try, if possible, enumerate what is the major ethical
issue, followed by sub-ethical issues.

This ethical question in itself not insignificant – awareness that an ethical dilemma actually exists
requires ‘moral sensitivity’ which often needs to be cultivated. Often, students will identify the ethical
question only to return to modify it later. An ethical question often (but not always) includes the word
‘should’, and it is characterized by the fact that several competing solutions exist. In reflection on the
moral nature of the dilemma, none of these solutions is without its problems, concerns, or issues.

2. Stakeholders and their Values

Another important aspect to reflect upon are the various individuals and groups who may be affected by
your decision. Consider who might be harmed or who might benefit. What individuals and groups have
an important stake in the outcome? Have all the relevant persons and groups been consulted?

One of the most rewarding aspects of decision-making is to consider the position and values of different
stakeholders, that is, it asks one to ‘step into someone else’s shoes’. While this is a valuable exercise at
any age, it is particularly important for young people, who may struggle to view dilemmas from different
perspectives, even though they may not agree with them. Here, students discuss the values their
stakeholder might bring to the issue, and the range of positions that the particular stakeholder might
take. Are some concerns more important? Why?

3. Gather all of the Relevant Information/Facts of the Case

Before taking action, it is a good idea to make sure that you have gathered all of the pertinent
information, and that all potential sources of information have been consulted. What are the relevant
facts of the case? What facts are not known? Can I learn more about the situation? Do I know enough to
make a decision?

We cannot discuss moral issues intelligently apart from a knowledge of the facts that bear on those
issues. We must begin by considering what those facts are. In any given case, many facts will be obvious
to all, and they should be taken into account. However, sometimes people come to different moral
conclusions because they do not view the facts in the same way. Sometimes they disagree about what
the facts are. Sometimes they disagree about the relevance or relative importance of certain facts.
Therefore, close examination of our take on the facts is critical.
4. Formulate Actions and Consider Alternatives

Test the case to different ethical frameworks. Which ethical principles/moral theories are granted
priority in the case? Have I identified creative options? What are the options for acting?

Here, one is asked to generate several options for solutions. This is a brainstorming step, in order to
provide a wide range of ideas. Thinking about solutions that different stakeholders would propose is one
strategy. Solutions can be analyzed to consider which ethical frameworks are granted priority in each
case.

5. Decision and Justification

When presented with an ethical dilemma, one is apt to quickly jump to their decision/position, without
a sense of their justification. Alternatively, one may express that his/her position is ‘simply what they
believe’ or what intuitively ‘feels right’. The justification of the decision is a key element of the model.
This step allows one to practice clarifying their reasoning. Here is where one can bring in their
understanding of ethical perspectives and theories in order to provide depth to their arguments. For
example, ethical perspectives can help one clarify which of the possible solutions provides the best
outcome for the greatest number.

After examining all of the potential actions, which best addresses the situation? If I told someone I
respect—or told a television audience—which option I have chosen, what would they say? Why that
ethical framework?

6. Act

Many ethical situations are uncomfortable because we can never have all of the information. Even so, we
must often take action.

This step consists of acting on the decision and evaluating the decision. One should be aware that they
could change their decisions in light of new evidence or information. Many elements of this problem-
solving strategy are shared with scientific decision-making processes. The focus is on a reasoned,
thoughtful methodology rooted in critical thinking. Additionally, the process of decision-making itself
should be considered, in order to determine the extent to which it was fair and just. How can my
decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all stakeholders?

7. Reflect on the Outcome

Once you acted, it behooves that you pause and engage in a reflective examination of the situation.

What were the results of my decision? What were the intended and unintended consequences? Would I
change anything now that I have seen the consequences? How did my decision turn out and what have I
learned from this specific situation?

All of these will serve you well in your preparation for the next opportunity to decide what a caring
response entails in that new situation. When you reflect, you advance your ethical reasoning and are
better prepared for the next time you are faced with a challenging situation. Reflection on your action
prepares you for how you can continue to learn from your experience.