What is Ethical Decision-Making? ● ● Ethical decision-making is the process for an individual to follow in order to make a decision guided by ethical principles and values. As a philosophy, ethics are the principles that guide a person’s behavior. Though there are many ethical opinions that most people share, ethics will differ from person to person. This is due to the fact that our ethics are shaped by our moral code. In general, most people will agree that it is not ok to steal from others and we would also likely agree that harming someone else is wrong. But what about other parts of our lives? Our moral code is shaped by our cultural upbringing and surroundings. What is wrong to one community of people may be completely normal to another. In some areas of the world it is acceptable for children to work in factories while in North America the thought of it is abhorrent. In order to make ethical decisions we must consider our own personal beliefs while also considering our communities moral standards. What are the 6 steps to ethical decision-making? 1. Identifying Ethical Dimension - refers to understanding whether the problem on hand requires an ethical analysis or not. For example, if one is deciding whether they should put snacks in the office or not, it is not an issue with ethical significance and does not require an ethical analysis. But if the company is deciding on a hiring process, the personal relationship team will need to consider the ethical side of the planned process. 2. Collection of Relevant Information - All relevant information, including existing regulations, principles, and policies in an organization or within an individual, should be collected alongside the decision one is trying to make for further analysis.In the example of trying to implement a new hiring process, the team will need to collect information on the company's values and policies as well as whether there are laws and regulations related to hiring. At the same time, the team should also collect information about the new hiring process they are looking to implement 3. Evaluation According to Ethical Standards - After collecting all relevant information, it is important to evaluate the collected information in terms of relevant ethical guidelines. The ethical principles mentioned above can be used as guidelines to go through the decision to be made and determine whether the action to be taken is in compliance with regulations and ethical values. 4. Consider Other Alternatives - identify the likely positive and negative consequences of each. It is unusual to find one alternative that would completely resolve the problem and is significantly better than all others. As you consider positive and negative consequences, you must be careful to differentiate between what you know for a fact and what you believe might be the case. Consulting resources, including written guidelines and standards, can help you ascertain which consequences are of greater (and lesser) import. 5. Decision Making - this is the natural next step after selecting the best alternative. When you are working in a team environment, this is where a proposal is made to the team, complete with a clear definition of the problem, a clear list of the alternatives that were considered and a clear rationale for the proposed solution. 6. Reviewing the Consequences after the Decision Making - The final test of any decision is whether or not the problem was fixed. Did it go away? Did it change appreciably? Is it better now, or worse, or the same? What new problems did the solution create? Why is it important? ● If you are an entrepreneur, then you are likely the face of or the person responsible for your business. There are many reasons why you would want to make ethical decisions for your business and these decisions can directly impact the success of your business. Below are some great reasons why it is important to reflect on both your personal and community ethics when making business decisions. Your reputation matters – your customers and community like to see that you are 1. more than just a money maker. People will want to buy from you or use your services if they believe you are a good and ethical person. Be honest and fair with those you interact with and that is the reputation you will build for yourself. It can bring you business – when you make ethical decisions you consider the 2. feelings and needs of others. Treating your customers with respect is an ethical decision you can make. In many cases this will return by having others refer you. Being ethical helps build trust. Navigating Through Complex Challenges - Business leaders often face intricate 3. challenges that require astute decision making. Ethical decision making equips leaders with a framework to navigate through these complexities while upholding their values. By considering the ethical implications of their choices, leaders can make decisions that not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the organization. 4. Promote employee engagement and retention - Ethical decision making in an organization creates a culture of integrity and fairness. Employees are more likely to feel engaged and committed to a company that upholds ethical standards. When employees believe in the moral values of their organization, this fosters a sense of pride and loyalty, leading to higher retention rates and increased productivity. What is an ethical dilemma? ● is a problem in the decision-making process between two possible options, neither of which is absolutely acceptable from an ethical perspective. Although we face many ethical and moral problems in our lives, most of them come with relatively straightforward solutions. ● a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle. Case Study 1: The Dengvaxia Vaccine Scandal In the spring of 2016, Dengvaxia had a high-profile launch in the Philippines, as the country – having been involved in every phase of clinical development – became the first in the world to access the live recombinant tetravalent vaccine. The Department of Health spent $67m on Dengvaxia and kicked off a mass immunization programme with the aim of vaccinating a million students by the end of the year. Sanofi also had high hopes for Dengvaxia, the development of which had taken 20 years and cost around $1.8bn. Officials predicted that the vaccine – which helps protect against all four serotypes of dengue – would drive down infection rates by 24% within the next five years, and Sanofi looked well-positioned to reap the benefits of offering the first-ever dengue vaccine to global markets. By October 2016, Dengvaxia had received regulatory approval from 10 other countries, including Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia. More than six months later, after more than 830,000 children had received at least one dose of the vaccine (Dengvaxia is administered as three injections, with six-month intervals), Sanofi announced that it was changing its label to restrict its use to only those who had already been exposed to dengue virus. Having reanalysed its trial results, Sanofi said the evidence now suggested that dengue-naïve people who received the vaccine could be vulnerable to more severe infections. Ethical Decision-Making: Continuation of the Vaccination Program: Health officials and policymakers faced a critical decision about whether to continue or suspend the Dengvaxia vaccination program. This decision involved weighing the potential risks of adverse effects against the benefits of immunization in preventing dengue fever. Communication with the Public: Ethical considerations included how to communicate information about the risks associated with Dengvaxia transparently and effectively to the public. Health authorities needed to provide accurate and understandable information to address public concerns and maintain trust in vaccination programs. Outcomes: ● ● ● The Dengvaxia vaccine scandal led to the suspension of the mass immunization program and a loss of public trust in vaccination efforts. Investigations were launched to assess the safety and efficacy of Dengvaxia and determine accountability for any adverse effects associated with the vaccine. The controversy underscored the importance of rigorous testing, regulatory oversight, and transparent communication in vaccine development and public health interventions. Decision-Making Resolution: Ultimately, health authorities decided to suspend the Dengvaxia vaccination program pending further investigation into the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This decision prioritized public health and safety, acknowledging the need to address concerns about the potential risks associated with Dengvaxia. It also emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and accountability in public health policy and vaccination programs. Case Study 2: The Boracay Island Rehabilitation Project Boracay, renowned for its stunning beauty, faces a six-month closure due to environmental concerns, with President Duterte citing waste management issues. While residents acknowledge the need for rehabilitation, the abrupt shutdown has left many uncertain about their livelihoods. The closure impacts around 30,000 workers directly employed in hospitality and tourism-related sectors, with estimates suggesting significant economic losses. Critics argue that the closure lacks a comprehensive plan and disproportionately affects locals. Government assistance programs have faced challenges, including stampedes and limited duration, exacerbating residents' concerns. Speculation about a proposed casino development adds to uncertainty, with some fearing it prioritizes wealthy investors over local welfare. The presence of armed personnel during evictions raises tensions, echoing Duterte's strongman approach. While residents hope for a restored Boracay, the closure underscores the economic disparity and uncertainty faced by many islanders. Ethical Decision-Making: Environmental Preservation vs. Economic Interests: The Philippine government faced the ethical dilemma of balancing the need for environmental preservation with the economic interests of the tourism industry. The decision to close Boracay Island for rehabilitation required weighing the short-term economic impact on businesses and livelihoods against the long-term benefits of environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection. Social Justice and Community Impact: The closure of Boracay Island had significant social and economic implications for local residents, workers, and businesses dependent on tourism. Ethical considerations involved ensuring social justice, mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations, and providing support for affected communities during the rehabilitation period. Outcomes: ● ● Environmental Restoration: The closure of Boracay Island allowed for the implementation of rehabilitation measures, including cleanup efforts, sewage system upgrades, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations. These initiatives aimed to restore the island's natural beauty, improve water quality, and preserve marine ecosystems. Economic Recovery and Sustainable Tourism: While the closure initially resulted in economic hardships for businesses and workers, the rehabilitation project paved the way for sustainable tourism development on Boracay Island. The government implemented measures to promote responsible tourism practices, regulate visitor arrivals, and diversify the island's economy beyond mass tourism. Ethical Decision-Making Resolution: Prioritizing Environmental Sustainability: The Philippine government prioritized environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection in its decision to close Boracay Island for rehabilitation. This decision reflected a commitment to ethical principles of environmental stewardship and responsible governance, despite the short-term economic sacrifices. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Throughout the rehabilitation process, the government engaged with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and social responsibility. Efforts were made to provide support for affected residents, promote inclusive development, and empower local stakeholders in decision-making processes. Questions and Answers: 1. __________ is the process for an individual to follow in order to make a decision guided by ethical principles and values. Ethical Decision-Making 2. __________ is a problem in the decision-making process between two possible options, neither of which is absolutely acceptable from an ethical perspective. Ethical Dilemma 3. ____________ this is the natural next step after selecting the best alternative. Decision Making References: Ethical Decision Making Video with Lesson Transcript | Study.com. (2019). Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/ethical-decision-making.html eam, E. (n.d.). The PLUS Ethical Decision Making Model - Ethics & Compliance Toolkit. T Ethics and Compliance Initiative. https://www.ethics.org/resources/free-toolkit/decision-making-model/#3 J effs, L. (2019, April 24). Why Is Ethical Decision Making Important? Lisa Jeffs; Lisa Jeffs. https://lisajeffs.com/why-is-ethical-decision-making-important/ The Importance of Ethical Decision Making in Business Leadership. (n.d.). Www.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-ethical-decision-making-business-chris-d-bentley/ The Ergodotisi Team. (2023, July 19). The Importance of Ethics in Business Decision Making. Ffwd.com.cy. https://ffwd.com.cy/educational/importance-ethics-business-decision-making o, C. (2019, December 16). Dengvaxia in the Philippines: timeline of the dengue dilemma. L Pharmaceutical Technology. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/dangvaxia-philippines/?cf-view aynes, S. (2018, May 15). Boracay Island Closure Leaves Residents Feeling the Pinch. H Time. https://time.com/5262455/boracay-island-philippines-tourists-closure-duterte/
