Transcultural Integrative Ethical Decision Making Model

Step 1: Interpret situation through awareness and the facts pertaining to the situation.

- Make sure to have the utmost sensitivity and awareness of the situation at hand
- Be sensitive to the cultural aspect of the client(s)
- Reflect to see what dilemma may be involved
- Identify individuals who are affected in the ethical dilemma
- Gather as much information that pertains to the dilemma at hand (e.g. history, culture, reasons
etc.)

Step 2: Coming up with a possible ethical decision

- Review the dilemma after gathering all information possible

- Determine ethical codes, laws, ethical principles, institution policies, and proper procedure for
dilemmas
- Figure out which codes were violated and in which aspect (legally, ethically, institutionally)
- State specific codes that were violated
- Decide on possible best course of action(s)
o Review positives and negatives of each action
- Decide on best ethical course of action

Step 3: Weighing competing non-moral values and making sure that the course of action chosen
allows for reflective recognition/analysis of personal blind spots and consider contextual influences
on values selection

- Engage in dialogue with person(s) involved

o Clarify values with people involved along with any behaviors

Step 4: Plan and execute best course of action

- Develop reasonable concrete steps of action

- Remember to document the steps that are taken
- Document results of steps taken in resolution process
- Anticipate personal and contextual barriers and counter measures
o Keep in mind unforeseen consequences that an individual involved may face because of
the dilemma
- Implementation, documentations, and evaluation of the course of action
o Remember to document everything involved with the decision making and results of the
decision making
o Relevant dates involved with the dilemmas
o Involved parties
- It is not our place to judge or punish anyone involved in ethical dilemmas, those steps are for
legal or administrative authorities