Ethical decision-making models offer structured methods for individuals and organizations to analyze ethical dilemmas, consider different factors, and reach morally justifiable decisions.
Here are some widely recognized ethical decision-making models:
The Ethical Decision-Making Process by Kidder
Created by Rushworth Kidder, this model encompasses six moral principles: utility, rights, justice, caring, character, and integrity.
It promotes the practice of considering ethical dilemmas from various angles before reaching a conclusion.
The Four Component Model by Rest
Created by James Rest, this model is comprised of four components: moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation, and moral character.
It highlights the significance of acknowledging ethical concerns, analyzing them, and behaving in alignment with one’s moral values.
The Ethical Triangle by Beauchamp and Childress
Tom Beauchamp and James Childress put forth a model in their book “Principles of Biomedical Ethics” that revolves around three key ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
It offers a structure for examining moral quandaries in healthcare and other industries.
The Potter Box Model
Created by Ralph Potter, this model is comprised of four steps: definition, values, principles, and loyalties.
It emphasizes the importance of individuals defining the problem, identifying relevant values, applying ethical principles, and considering loyalties before making a decision.
The SAD Formula
SAD stands for Stop, Ask, Decide. This straightforward approach entails taking a moment to evaluate the situation, posing pertinent inquiries to clarify ethical considerations, and arriving at a decision grounded in ethical principles and values.
The Six Steps of Ethical Decision-Making by Josephson Institute
This approach consists of six sequential steps: pause and reflect, define objectives and principles, gather information, generate alternatives, evaluate potential outcomes, and select the most favorable choice.
It offers a structured method for examining moral quandaries and reaching ethical choices.
The 5-Step Ethics Approach by Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
Created by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, this model consists of five steps: identifying an ethical issue, gathering the necessary information, considering different courses of action, making a decision and putting it to the test, and finally, taking action and reflecting on the results.
The text highlights the significance of collecting information, exploring different options, and reflecting on the process of decision-making.
The PLUS Model
PLUS represents a comprehensive framework encompassing policies, legal standards, universal principles, and stakeholders.
This approach takes into account various factors such as organizational policies, legal standards, ethical principles, and stakeholder interests when making ethical decisions in business and other situations.
Each of these models provides a structured approach to ethical decision-making, offering individuals and organizations frameworks to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and make morally sound choices.
The selection of a model may vary depending on the particular circumstances and personal preferences of the individual making the decision.