When taking a look at this flowchart, consider a time when you had to deal with an ethical discussion or decision at work. Evaluate your process against the recommendations within this chart. Using your situation as an example, bring in additional steps that you would add to this chart that you outlined in your own process.

. Flowchart for Ethical Decision-Making This flowchart can form the basis for making ethical decisions. Use this as a starter kit and modify for your specific needs. See the Common Issues: How Would You Address Them? exercise file for a recommended process to manage ethical issues. Incident occurs. Incident occurs. Only depend upon first-hand information Collect data. Collect data. Specifics of incident Legal standards Personal ethical views Cultural norms that apply Consider choices. Consider choices. Do you have all options you can evaluate? If you only have two choices (A vs. B), can you create a blend of A vs. B? Do you need to involve other areas, such as HR and Legal? Compile pros and cons for all options Choose best option. Choose best option. Ensure you are in the right frame of mind to decide If unsure, consider if you should analyze further choices Consider will the selected option seem like a good idea a year from now?" Apply ethical principles. Apply ethical principles Does the approach provide for the greater good? Have I considered the situation of all those concerned? Should compassion influence your recommendation? Make your decision. Make your decision. If willing to share openly, you probably are doing the right thing Own the outcomes that come from your decision Stand by and be confident in your decision Communicate as appropriate to impacted parties Support those impacted by the decision