Giving Voice to Values (GVV) framework was created by Mary Gentile of Babson University.

It
is an approach designed to help individuals navigate ethical dilemmas in the workplace by
encouraging them to act on their values.

The seven pillars of GVV are:

● Values: Know and appeal to widely shared values such as honesty, respect, fairness,
and compassion.
● Choice: Believe you have a choice about voicing your values and recognizing the same
in others.
● Normality: Expect ethical conflicts and approach them calmly and competently.
● Purpose: Define your personal and professional purpose to guide your decisions.
● Self-knowledge: Develop a self-story about acting on your values that align with your
strengths.
● Voice: Practice voicing your values in a way that is comfortable and effective for you.
● Reasons and Rationalizations: Anticipate and counter common excuses for unethical
behavior.

The GVV framework can be applied to a wide range of situations, and it can be a helpful tool for
anyone who wants to make ethical decisions and create a more positive work environment.

How to apply Tests:

1. The Smell Test:

● Introduction: This test involves identifying whether there's an ethical issue present in the
situation.
● Validity: It helps in recognizing potential ethical concerns that might not be immediately
apparent.
● Conclusion: If the situation raises ethical red flags upon initial examination, further
analysis is warranted to determine the extent and implications of the ethical issue.

2. The Best Outcomes or Utility Test:

● Selection: Choose the action that produces the greatest net benefit for all affected
parties.
● Policy Consideration: Evaluate how the chosen action would fare if it were to become a
policy for similar situations.
● Conclusion: If the action consistently leads to positive outcomes across various
scenarios, it may be deemed ethically sound for adoption as a policy.
3. The Rights Approach:

a. The Right Test:

Identify the rights involved and any conflicts with other rights or the rights of others.

b. The Everybody or Extra Slack Test:

Assess the action's implications if everyone were to do the same. Consider whether it would
become impossible or unacceptable.

c. The Choice Test:

Determine if others are given the freedom to choose and if they have the necessary information
to make informed decisions.

4. The Justice Test:

● Application: Evaluate how benefits and burdens are distributed and whether the
distribution is fair.
● Fairness Consideration: Assess if the proposed action aligns with the principles of justice
and fairness.

5. The Common Good Test:

● Analysis: Identify the aspects of the common good involved and whether the proposed
action conflicts with the obligation to promote or protect the common good.
● Obligation Consideration: Determine if the action contributes positively to the welfare of
the community or stakeholders involved.

6. The Character or Virtue Test:

● Assessment: Consider whether the action aligns with personal values and virtues, as
well as the company's reputation and vision.
● Balance: Evaluate if the action maintains a balance between excellence and the success
of the organization.

Final Conclusion:
● Compare the conclusions drawn from each test to derive the final ethical assessment of
the situation.
● Consider the collective insights provided by each test to make a well-rounded and
informed decision regarding the ethical implications of the case.
● By systematically applying these ethical tests, you can gain a comprehensive
understanding of the ethical dimensions of the case and arrive at a well-supported
conclusion regarding the appropriate course of action.

Apply Each Ethical Test Methodically:

● Best Outcomes or Utility Test: Evaluate the consequences of each potential action and
choose the one that maximizes overall benefits.
● Rights Approach: Identify the rights of stakeholders involved and assess if proposed
actions respect those rights.
● Justice Test: Examine the fairness of the distribution of benefits and burdens among
stakeholders.
● Common Good Test: Consider how the proposed actions contribute to or detract from
the common good or welfare of the community.
● Character or Virtue Test: Reflect on whether the actions align with personal and
organizational values and virtues.
● Consider Long-Term Implications: Look beyond immediate outcomes and consider the
long-term consequences of each action. Assess how each decision may impact
relationships, reputation, and organizational culture over time.