A Framework for Ethical Decision Making

Presented by
Nyla McCarthy, President Catalysts for Change Consulting 1460 Evergreen Ave NE Salem, Or 97301 Email: nyla@teleport.com Website: www.nylamccarthy.net
Materials copyrighted. Please contact me for usage.

The Framework Overview

Step One: Describe the problem Step Two: Determine whether there is an ethical issue or an ethical dilemma Step Three: Identify and rank the key values and principles Step Four: Gather your information

The Framework, continued

Step Five: Review any applicable Code of Ethics Step Six: Determine the options Step Seven: Select a course of action

The Framework, continued

Step Eight: Put your plan into action. Step Nine: Evaluate the results Dont forget! Step Ten: Submit cases to your ethical review team or board regularly for review

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

Dilemma greek origin di- two limos-horns, Two horned

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

Dilemma becomes ethical when the good or bad options seem to have a moral component
(eg. confidentiality vs. prevention of harm, self determination vs. workers perception of clients best interests, freedom vs. safety)

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.

Step Two: Determine Whether There Is an Ethical Dilemma

If you find it easy to articulate the perceived best interest as being on one side, you might ask, who determines what is in the best interest? You? Courts? Client? Family? Remember, most individuals will probably perceive their own preferences as being in their own best interest.

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 individuals 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 individuals views and personal values? * Dont 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 Five: Model Code

The Napsa Code of Ethics is an excellent model. Lets take a look..

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 values.

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 Dont have one? Create one. Need help? Give me a call and we can design one which will work for you

Activity
Small group case study review Debrief

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

The Bird in the Hand

A new take on an old fable

Thank you!