DECISION MAKING MODEL

Decision making can be regarded as the mental processes (cognitive process) resulting
in the selection of a course of action among several alternatives. Every decision making
process produces a final choice. [1] The output can be an action or an opinion of choice.
All people need to make decisions from time to time. Given limited time in formulating
policies and addressing public problems, public administrators must enjoy a certain
degree of discretion in planning, revising and implementing public policies. In other
words, they must engage in decision-making (Gianakis, 2004). Over the years, many
scholars tried to devise decision-making models to account for the policy making
process.
Individuals, groups or teams make decisions every day. Some decisions are very
important and affect a lot of people whereas other decisions are small and affect only one
or two people. A decision-making process based on data leads to good decisions. The
steps in this model are listed in a linear fashion but the steps are interrelated and can be
repeated as needed throughout the process.

What exactly makes a decision

ethical?

If your supervisor said any of these things

to you right now, what would you say?

"We're missing key figures for that report. Just fill

them in for now."
"Just sign that contract for me."
"Can you transfer this money to my personal
checking account?"
"I want you to watch Susan and see what she does
on her lunch hour."

STEPS IN DECISION -MAKING

Identify the problem

Generate alternatives solutions

Evaluate alternatives

Selection of solution

Implement the chosen solution

STRUCTURE OF DECISION MAKING

The End-the outcome sought

The Means-the methods employed

The Motives-the urge makes the decision

necessary in the first place

The Foreseeable Consequences

THREE ETHICAL DECISION MAKING CRITERIA

UTILITARIAN CRITERION-Decisions are made solely on the basis of

their outcomes or consequences. The goal of utilitarian is to provide greatest
good for the greatest number. This view tends to dominate business decision
making. For instance by maximizing profit ,a business executive can argue he
is securing the greatest good for 10% of his employees .This promotes
efficiency and productivity.
RIGHTS CRITERIA-Another ethical criteria is to focus on rights. This calls
an individuals to make decisions consistent with fundamental liberties and
privileges as laid in the constitution. It means decisions to respect and protect
the basic rights of individuals ,e.g. right to speech and due process. For
instance ,use of this criteria would protect Whistle-Blowers when they report
unethical or illegal practices by their organization to press or government
agencies on grounds of right to speech.

FOCUS ON JUSTICE CRITERIA-This requires individuals to

impose and enforce rules fairly and impartially so there is eqitable

distribution of benefits and costs. It justifies paying the same wages
for a given job and using seniority as the main determination in
making retrenchment decision.
The question to be asked:
Have you defined the problem acurately
To whom and what is your loyalty as a person and as a member of the
organization.
Can you discuss with affected party?

FACTORS INFLUENCING ETHICAL

DECISION MAKING BEHAVIOUR

Stage of Moral
Development

Organizational
Environment

Locus of Control

Ethical /Unethical
Decision-Making
Behavior

FACTORS THAT GUIDE MANAGERS TO

MAKE ETHICAL DECISIONS

A mans personal code of ethics i.e. what one considers moral. It is

felt older a businessman becomes ,the more ethical is his attitude.
The companys formal policy are values and culture
The ethical climate in the industry
Government regulations.
Behavior's of mans associates and superiors in the company.
Professional managers are more ethical .Ethical standards are deepseated in them and they refuse to compromise.
As corporations become larger ,their standards of ethical conduct tend
to rise because of greater public exposure/image.

The Case of the Reference Request

A former employee who was fired due to poor quality work, absences,
and lateness related to her drinking problem, informs you that she has
applied for a position at another company and has already given your
name as a reference. She desperately needs a job (she is a single parent
with three children), and she asks you to give her a good
recommendation and not mention her drinking, which she assures you
is now under control. She also asks you to say that she voluntarily left
the company to address a family medical crisis, and that the company
was pleased with her work. You like this person and believe she is a
good worker when she is not drinking. You doubt that she really has
overcome her drinking problem, however, and you would not
recommend your own company hire her back.

The Case of the Reference Request

What do you say to this woman?

What do you say to an employer who calls you for a
reference?
What if the prospective employer was a friend?
Suppose the problem was a theft?
Suppose she had asked you to be a reference prior to
supplying your name to her prospective employer?
What values are at stake? Do some of the values conflict
with one another?