The Ethics Game: Simulation Memo Instructions and Grading Rubric
Writing the Inter-Office Memo
As you write the inter-office memo, please consider your audience. The purpose of the memo is to inform your
colleagues of your decision and the reasons for your choice. The memo should be between 400-600 words. Write
the memo so that others can understand the ethical problem, know what your decision was, and understand the
rationale for your decision.
Elements of the Memo:
1. Background of the problem
This statement should contain sufficient detail that the others on the team know what the
problem is but should not contain any confidential information. The statement should also
clearly present the values in conflict in the problem.
2. Statement of decision
In a sentence, clearly and concisely state your decision.
3. Reasons for the decision
In the next paragraph, give the reasons for your decision. As this is an ethical analysis, the reader
should be able to see which ethical framework or which ethical principles you are using to come
to your decision. However, the words you choose should not be technical, such as “this decision
is reversible because...” Rather, you might say – “As each of us considers how we would like to
be treated in a similar situation...”
4. Forward-looking conclusion
The final sentences should be a summary which builds relationship with the other team
members and your constituents, leaves the door open for further conversation, and tells the
reader what the decision means for him or her.
Formatting the Memo:
Please state your name, the date, the name of the simulation, the name of the class and the year/term of the class
in the top third of your memo page. Please follow the ‘elements of the memo’ listed above, while remaining
cognizant of the grading rubric that follows below for the content of your memo’s text. Please double-space your
work.
To ease formatting, you can use a memo template found in the Microsoft Office Word program. For assistance in
loading a template, just click on the ‘help’ tab at the top of the page and type ‘memo template’; the help feature
should provide instructions on how to access and complete a memo.
Please name your document using the standard naming convention for this class and email your work. Reminder of
naming convention: Last Name (period) document description; example...
Davis.Simulation Memo 1
Sample Memo
Dr. Kathryn Davis
Sample Memo
June 22, 2010
The Underperforming Division
Internship, BUSI 4321
Summer, 2010
The Ethics Committee of the Mercy Preferred Provider Organization recently faced a question as to
whether when patients come to us for blood work, we need to tell them that if they test HIV positive the results
will be reported to the state. On one hand we wanted to assure that we treated our patients with respect by giving
them full information about the treatment and maintain their confidentiality. At the same time we know that AIDS
is a dangerous disease which could lead to an epidemic, and thus we want to both protect the citizens of the state
as well as follow the requirements of the law.
As we considered the problem, we acknowledged that we owe a duty to each of our patients to inform
them of the full ramifications of their medical treatment. While we know that the reporting requirements will not
affect most people, we need to be sensitive to those who will be affected. The most effective way to meet our
duty is to require each physician to inform patients of this policy before doing blood work. This way we will assure
that we have consistent policies throughout the system and will protect our agreement with our physicians to have
policies which will not put them at risk for a malpractice action. We will also have a written flyer available which
patients can read. Thus, we will not take away from precious treatment time as patients can read the material
ahead of time.
We want to thank each of you for your attention to this matter. While meeting the requirements may
seem awkward and you may be concerned that people will be frightened and not get their tests done, we believe
that our duty to our patients and physicians must come first as we put in place policies. Please feel free to discuss
any concerns you might have about this policy.
Criteria for evaluation of memo
This grading scale is set for 15 points per writing assignment with less than 70% being a failing grade.
Points
Bloom’s Criteria
Rubrics for the grade
13.5 ‐ 15 (A)
Synthesize, apply, use information in new,
All five elements of the memo were present. The author was clear, concise, and
creative way.
persuasive in the answer. The language of the particular lens was evident in the
memo. The writing was elegant and a joy to read.
12.0 ‐ 13.4 (B)
Demonstrate; dramatize; employ; illustrate;
All five elements of the memo were present. However, one or more of the
use; judge the effects of; what would
elements either were not clear or were not persuasive. Some of the language of
happen if; what would result
the particular lens was evident in the memo. The writing was clear and
understandable.
10.5 ‐ 11.9 (C)
Describe; discuss; explain; give examples;
One or more of the elements of the memo were missing. Two or more of the
paraphrase; recognize; report; restate;
elements either were not clear or were not persuasive. The writing was not clear.
summarize; translate
The reader had a hard time understanding either the rationale for the decision or
what was happening in the decision.
10.4 or less (D)
Define; describe; identify; name; select;
The reader could not tell what was happening in the problem. The reader could
who; what; where; when
not understand the rationale. The writing got in the way of understanding the
problem.