7 Steps Ethical Decision Model

As mentioned in Ethics - Introduction. These are the 7-Steps.

1. Get the facts

There is a need to get the facts and not jump the gun when we are making decisions. We need to get the facts so as to not misunderstand or miss out anything important. It is vital and essential for us to not assume but to get the facts.

2. Identify the stakeholders and their positions.

You will need to identify those who are involved in the situation. The reason being is that your decision will definitely cause an impact on those who are involved. For instance, what can your stakeholders gain or lose.

You have to decide on the level of involvement these stakeholders have when you make your decision. This will guide you in making better decisions. Try not to lose sleep as you are making your decision, but at the same time, consider some questions like

- The obligations you have towards these stakeholders
- What is the stake of the stakeholder?
- Are there any stakeholders with greater stake?

3. Consider the consequences of your decision.

There is a need for you to consider the consequence of your decision. There might be a possibility of you benefiting others and causing inconvenience to yourself when you make a decision. You may not benefit from the decision at all. This is a time for you to consider whether you would want to stick to your beliefs or do you prefer to stick to your benefits?

i.e. You made a mistake and your friend took the blame, do you speak up and admit the mistake? Or do you conveniently push the blame to your friend? What are the consequences if you speak up? and, what are the consequences if you don't?

4. Weigh various guidelines and principles

The guidelines and approaches that you should consider before making your decision. What is your belief based on? Is it based on fairness? Is it based on common good? Is it based on virtue? or is it the utilitarian approach?

Another sub-question to ask is, would you violate any laws when you make the decision?

There are guidelines and principles which we need to take note of and weigh them.

5. Develop and evaluate options.

The fifth guide is for you to develop and evaluate options. Is there an alternative? Is yes, what is it? Are they ethically correct? Among all your options, which is the most ethical decision to make?

6. Review your decision.

Finally, it is time for you to review your decision. Think about it once more.

7. Evaluate the results of your decision

You have made your decision and it's time for you to evaluate? Are you happy? Are you guilty of your decision (if it is unethical)? or Are you proud that you have made the right decision?

How can you improve from here?

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With Reference:

ITLG Textbook - Ethics in Information Technology