Spinello, "Steps for Ethical Analysis"

SOURCE FOR THE PROCEDURE

THE PROCEDURE ITSELF

1. Identify and formulate the basic ethical issues in each case.
   1. Are there also legal issues?
   2. Is there a conflict between law and morality?
2. What does your moral intuition say about the action or policy under consideration?
   1. What are your first impressions or reactions to these issues?
   2. Is it right or wrong?
3. Consult the appropriate formal guidelines.
   1. Consider corporate codes of conduct.
   2. Consider professional codes of conduct.
4. Analyze the issues from the viewpoint of one or more of the ethical theories (consequentialism, pluralism, contractarianism).
5. Do these ethical theories point to one decision or course of action?
   1. If yes, continue with next step.
   2. If no, which principle or avenue of reasoning should take precedence?
6. What is your normative conclusion about the case?
   1. What should be the organization's course of action?
   2. What should be the individual's course of action?
7. What are the public policy implications of this case and your normative conclusion?
   1. Should the recommended behavior be required by law?
   2. Should the recommended behavior be enforced by policy or regulations?

WALT'S CHECKLIST

• This method is most useful when the DECISION-MAKER ...
  • has a working knowledge of several ethical theories [step 4]
  • has high initial sensitivity to relevant ethical "features" [step 2]
  • has plenty of time for investigation and analysis [steps 4 and 5]
  • is skilled in causal or consequential reasoning [step 4]
  • is skilled in conflict- or dilemma-resolution methods [step 5b]
  • is skilled in the application of general ethical principles to specific cases [step 4]
• This method is most useful in a SITUATION ...
  
  • that will change little over time
• This method is most useful when STAKEHOLDERS ...
  • share ethical codes or policies [step 3]
  • share ethical principles [step 4]

Index