Ethical Decision Making
Blanchard and Peale's 5 Principles of Ethical Power
- Purpose. I see myself as being an ethically sound person. I let my conscience be my guide. No matter what happens, I am always able to face the mirror, look myself straight in the eye, and feel good about myself.
- Pride. I feel good about myself. I don't need acceptance of other people to feel important. A balanced self-esteem keeps my ego and desire to be accepted from influencing my decisions.
- Patience. I believe that things will eventually work out well. I don't need everything to happen right now. I am at peace with what comes my way.
- Persistence. I stick to my purpose, especially when it seems inconvenient to do so! My behavior is consistent with my intention.
- Perspective. I take time to enter each day quietly in a mood of reflection. This helps me to get myself focused and allows me to listen to my inner self and see things more clearly.
When faced with an ethical dilemma or a tough decision, consult the following checklist:
- Is it legal?
Will I be violating any laws or university policies? - Is it balanced?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Does it promote win/win situations? - How will it make me feel about myself?
Will it make me proud?
Would I feel good if my family knew?
Would I feel good if my hometown newspaper published my decision?
Blanchard, K. and Peale, N.V. (1988). The Power of Ethical decision Management. Page 20. New York: William Morrow Co. 1988.
Ethical Terms
Ethics The study of right and wrong, usually including the determining and encouraging of what is right.
Value A tightly held belief upon which a person acts by choice; an enduring belief that one way of behaving is personally or socially preferable to an opposing way of behaving.
Ethical Behavior Acting responsibly in difficult and/or complex situations with quality character and judgement.
Ethical Dilemma A situation in which there is a conflict in the minds of people between values, or a conflict between what is right and what is wrong. You have to make a choice.
From the Effectiveness Institute, Redmond, WA.