American School Counselor Association, "Ethical Decision Making Model"

SOURCE FOR THE PROCEDURE

THE PROCEDURE ITSELF

1. Identify the problem or dilemma.
   1. Gather as much information as possible.
   2. Is conflict ethical, legal or moral, or a combination?
2. Identify competing moral principles.
   1. Consider the principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justness, and fidelity.
   2. Using these principles, evaluate the rights, responsibilities and welfare of all those affected by the situation.
3. Review the relevant ethical guidelines.
   1. Identify the relevant guidelines.
   2. Are your own values and/or ethics in conflict with the relevant guidelines.
4. Consult with a colleague.
5. Consider possible and probable courses of action. Brainstorm.
6. Consider the consequences of various decisions.
   1. Ponder the implications of each course of action.
   2. Use the five fundamental principles (see above).
7. Decide on what appears to be the best course of action.
8. Implement your decision.

WALT'S CHECKLIST

• This method is most useful when the DECISION-MAKER ...
  • has easy access to advisors, consultants or role-players [step 4]
  • has plenty of time for investigation and analysis [step 6a]
  • is skilled in causal or consequential reasoning [step 6]
  • is skilled in semantic or conceptual analysis [step 1b]
  • is skilled in the application of general ethical principles to specific cases [steps 2 and 6b]
• This method is most useful in a SITUATION ...
  
  • that will change little over time
  • where the decision-maker is also a stakeholder
• This method is most useful when STAKEHOLDERS ...
  • share ethical codes or policies [step 3]
  • share ethical principles [step 2]

Index