Defining the Concept of Ethical Decision-Making
Discuss about the Ethical Making And Professional Behaviour Nurses.
The concept of “ethical decision making” has gained a considerable amount of prominence in the present times on the score of the changing nature of the business world (Ford & Richardson, 2013). The “advent of globalization and the recent developments in the fields of technology as well as the innovations has drastically modified the way the various business organizations transact their business in the present times” (Ford & Richardson, 2013). It is a reflection of this particular fact that the various business organizations related to the diverse industries taking the help of this particular concept tries to contribute in a positive manner towards the planet as well as the society from which they derive the majority of the resources needed for the smooth operation of their business (Hartman, DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014). It is significant to note that in the present times the various managers as well as the managers related to a particular business often come across situations in which they are in a dilemma so as to do the thing which will benefit the business organization to which they are related although it is unethical or to do the thing which would be ethical yet detrimental to the interests of the business organization (Hartman, DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014). It is precisely here that the concept of “ethical decision making” gains prominence. This essay will discuss about the concept of “ethical decision making” and the way the managers can take the help of this particular concept for the process of decision making. The essay will also state the reasons why it is important for the various managers related to a particular business organization to take the help of this particular concept for the process of decision. Furthermore, the essay will also conduct a Literature review of this particular concept and try to find out the factors which affect the process of “ethical decision making”. Moreover, for the purpose of evaluation the essay will also take the help of questionnaires and the “Big Five personality instrument”. Finally, the essay will also provide a detailed plan which would specify my own personal goals.
The concept of “ethical decision making” can be defined as the process of choosing among the various diverse alternatives which are available to a particular business and making the decision which is in synchronization with the ethical requirements of the present day business world (Hartman, DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014). In other words the process of ethical decision can be seen as a cognitive process which takes into consideration the various ethical theories, principles, frameworks and others for the decision making process (Ford & Richardson, 2013). In the recent times it is seen that the various managers as well as the management teams related to the various business organizations are often in a dilemma about the course of action which they need to follow (Jackson, Wood & Zboja, 2013). It is significant to note that the various managers as well as the managements teams related to the various business organizations are often confused about whether they should focus on the concept of quality or quantity (Jackson, Wood & Zboja, 2013). Therefore, it becomes very important for the various managers in the present day business world to take into consideration the diverse ethical for the decision making process (Jackson, Wood & Zboja, 2013).
Role of Ethics in Decision-Making
In the opinion of many scholars the use of the “ethical decision making process” for the process of making as well as taking decisions is of considerable importance for the various managers in the development of effective managerial skills (May et al., 2014). The use of ethics for the decision making process helps the various managers in the present times not only to make decisions which are ethical but also contributes to the efficiency of the management of the concerned business organization in a significant manner (Teixeira et al., 2013). Furthermore, it is generally seen that the use of ethics for the process of decision making helps the various managers to reduce the level of conflicts which have become a part of the workplace in the present times (Thiel et al., 2012). In addition to these, the “ethical decision making process” used by the various managers in the present times also helps the concerned business organization to develop a positive brand image for themselves (Thiel et al., 2012). In the opinion of many scholars the three most important theories which guide the concept of “ethical decision making process” are Utilitarianism, Kantianism and justice (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016). The concept of Utilitarianism states that the individuals should focus on the kind of actions which causes the maximum amount of benefit or utility to the maximum number of people (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016). Therefore, the various managers as well as the management teams related to the various business organizations can take the help of this particular method to take the kind of decisions which is likely to cause the maximum amount of benefit or utility to the business organization concerned as well as the people who are related to them (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016). The concept of Kantianism, on the other hand, is the theory which propounds the concept that the “end results justify the means which have been taken to achieve that particular end” (May et al., 2014). Thus, it is seen that the various business organizations in the present times take the help of this particular theory to justify the unethical means which they use to enhance the amount of their profit margin (May et al., 2014). The theory of justice, on the other hand, articulates the need for taking decisions which are not only morally but also ethically correct (Teixeira et al., 2013). It is significant to note that in the present times the various managers as well as the management teams take the help of this particular method for the decisions which they take on the behalf of the concerned business organization (Teixeira et al., 2013).
Theories Guiding Ethical Decision Making
The “ethical decision making process” is directly related to the character as well as the personality of the manager and requires the presence of certain qualities or traits which are necessary to act in an ethical manner (Culiberg & Bajde, 2013). The first attribute which is necessary for the process of “ethical decision making process” is a sound as well as clear knowledge about the various ethics as well as morals (Crossan, Mazutis & Seijts, 2013). Furthermore, integrity of character and the aptitude to make the kind of decisions which are likely to cause the maximum amount of good or utility to the maximum number of people are significant traits which are required for the process of “ethical decision making” (Crossan, Mazutis & Seijts, 2013). Another significant character trait which is required for the process of “ethical decision making” is the ability or the capacity to stand by decision made by the individual under consideration and not alter it under pressure (Crossan, Mazutis & Seijts, 2013). These in short are some of the character traits or the qualities which are required of the managers for the “ethical decision making process”.
In the opinion of Elm & Radin (2012) personality forms an important part of the lives of the individuals and plays a significant role in the decisions which they make. The concept of personality becomes especially important in the context of the present day business managers. It is significant to note that in the present times the various business managers are required to make decisions which are not only morally correct but ethically correct as well (Elm & Radin, 2012). The above given character traits as well as attributes form an important part of the personality of the managers who are in the present times required to follow the concept of “ethical decision making process” for the various decisions which they make (Jackson, Wood & Zboja, 2013). Furthermore, the various personality tests also provide very insightful information about the various important character traits as well as attributes which they diverse managers are required to display in the present times (Elm & Radin, 2012). Therefore, it can be said that the combination of all these factors are very important for the managers to make decisions which are not only ethical but moral as well.
The above given Literature Review clearly outlines the concept of “ethical decision making process” has emerged as one of the most important ones in the recent times and it is a reflection of this particular fact that the various business managers in the present times are required to make decisions which take into consideration the moral as well as the ethical factors as well. It is significant to note that in this particular context the various theories related to the ethics also play a significant role and often influence the decisions made by the various managers as well as the management teams related to the various business organizations in a significant manner. The character as well as the personality of the managers also plays a significant role in the process of “ethical decision making”. Therefore, it can be said that it becomes very important for the various business managers in the present times to display certain character traits which are essential for the “ethical decision making process”.
Character Traits Required for Ethical Decision-Making
The first questionnaire “Learning Style” was designed to test the learning style which suited me the best. The result or the final score of the test indicated that the best kind of learning style which suited me the best was the various kinds of theories. The scores of the second questionnaire “Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument” indicate that I have a very accommodating. The results of the “MBTI Personality Type Test” indicate that I am an “introvert, sensing, thinking and judging” kind of a person. The scores of the “Big Five personality instrument”, on the other hand, indicate that I am agreeable kind of a person. The above results clearly indicate that I am an agreeable kind of a person and the best kind of learning style which is suitable for me is the theoretical style. Thus, to acquire the “ethical decision making” skill the best course of action which in could follow is to first get an idea about the various ethical theories and apply them in the real life context in order to gain this particular skill.
The first personal goal which I would like to set out in order to develop my character is to become emotionally stable. My plan for the attainment of this particular goal as per the SMART framework is as follows-
I would like in this particular context that by nature I am an emotional person and take little things to heart. This affects not only my day-to-day activities as well as my relations with the other individuals. I would also add here that because of the volatile nature of my emotions I get easily hurt and this is hurting not only relations with the other important persons in my life but also the kind of life which I am leading at the current moment. Therefore, becoming emotionally stable is something which is not only a choice but also an important requirement at the same time.
I would be able to measure the extent to which I have achieved this particular goal by the manner in which I would react to the other actions of the other individuals. I personally get offended by the little actions and often lose my temper therefore when during those kinds of situations I would be able to put a smile on my face and handle the situation I would have achieved this particular goal.
The third stage or the stage of the attainability will give an idea about the fact whether the goal which I have set out to achieve, that is, the achievement of the stage when I would be emotionally stable. I would like to add here that I personally feel that the goal which I have set out to achieve is completely attainable and the only hurdle towards the achievement of this particular goal is my own lethargy as well as lack of confidence level. Furthermore, I would also seek the help of my mentor and the official councilor at my educational institution who would be more than happy to help me out.
Personality and Its Role in Ethical Decision-Making
The fourth stage or the stage of relevancy will give me an idea about the relevancy of the goal which I have set out to achieve. In this particular context I would like to comment here that this particular goal which I have set out to achieve is completely relevant in the context of the broader goal which I have set out to achieve that is the improvement of my overall character. Therefore, I would like to comment in this particular context that this particular goal is completely relevant in the context of my broader goal and would help me to deal in a much better manner with my emotions.
The process of becoming an emotionally stable person is a long term process and cannot be achieved overnight. Thus, keeping this particular point in view I have given myself a time period of one semester for the achievement of this particular goal and am hoping that by the next semester I would be able to control my emotions in an effective manner.
The second goal which I would like to attain is the attainment of the process of an individual personality. I would like to comment in this particular context that this particular goal is going to help me in a significant manner to develop my personality. My plan for the attainment of this particular goal as per the SMART framework is as follows-
The results of the psychometric tests clearly indicate that I am very accommodating kind of a person. It is a reflection of this particular fact that I often agree to the views of the people without any resistance to them even though at times I feel that the demands which they are making is totally unjustified. Therefore, the development of this particular skill is likely to help me to stand up to people when they are making unjustified demands and at the same time help me to make better kind of decisions.
I would like to comment here that for the achievement of this particular goal I would be required to undertake various kinds of readings and view a lot of lecture videos of the eminent professors. The philosophies theories as well as the books which I would be reading is going to help me in a significant manner to know which of the demands of the people I should accept which are the ones that I should not agree to. Furthermore, these readings would at the same time help me to develop relevant character traits like critical thing, ethical decision making and others.
Questionnaires and Personal Plan
The third stage would be the stage of attainability and it is here that I would be able to access whether the goal which I have outlined for myself is attainable or not. I would like to comment in this particular context that the goal which I have undertaken to achieve is completely attainable and is likely to help me to achieve my greater goal of developing an independent character. The critical reading of the various kinds of philosophical texts which in would be undertaking in my view is likely to motivate me in a significant manner to help me to develop my character.
In the earlier times it had happened that I used to agree to the views as well as the opinions of the people even while knowing that the demands which they are making is completely wrong. Therefore, this particular goal is likely to help me in a significant manner to develop my character in an individual manner which will indirectly help me to stand up to people when the demands made by them are unjustified. Thus, I would say that this particular goal is completely relevant to the development of my character.
The achievement of this particular goal is likely to help me to achieve better results in almost every walk of life. Therefore, for the achievement of this particular goal I have given myself the time period of one semester with the hope that after achieving this particular goal from the next semester I would be able to achieve my career goals in a much better manner.
To conclude, the concept of “ethical decision making process” has emerged as one of the most important ones in the present times and it is generally seen that the various managers as well as the management teams related to the various business organizations in the present times take the help of the “ethical decision making process” in a bid to make decisions which are not only ethically but morally correct as well. In the present day business it is seen that it has become very important for the various business organizations to make decisions which is not only going to enhance the prospects of their business organization in a significant manner but would also contribute in a significant manner towards the society as well as the planet.
References
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Cerit, B., & Dinç, L. (2013). Ethical decision-making and professional behaviour among nurses: a correlational study. Nursing ethics, 20(2), 200-212.
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Crossan, M., Mazutis, D., & Seijts, G. (2013). In search of virtue: The role of virtues, values and character strengths in ethical decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 113(4), 567-581.
Culiberg, B., & Bajde, D. (2013). Consumer recycling: An ethical decision?making process. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 12(6), 449-459.
Elm, D. R., & Radin, T. J. (2012). Ethical decision making: Special or no different?. Journal of Business Ethics, 107(3), 313-329.
Ford, R. C., & Richardson, W. D. (2013). Ethical decision making: A review of the empirical literature. In Citation classics from the Journal of Business Ethics (pp. 19-44). Springer, Dordrecht.
Hartman, L. P., DesJardins, J. R., & MacDonald, C. (2014). Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity and social responsibility. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A. (2016). Ethical leadership and decision making in education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Routledge.
Teixeira, C., Ribeiro, O., Fonseca, A. M., & Carvalho, A. S. (2013). Ethical decision making in intensive care units: a burnout risk factor? Results from a multicentre study conducted with physicians and nurses. Journal of medical ethics, medethics-2012.
Thiel, C. E., Bagdasarov, Z., Harkrider, L., Johnson, J. F., & Mumford, M. D. (2012). Leader ethical decision-making in organizations: Strategies for sensemaking. Journal of Business Ethics, 107(1), 49-64.
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