Ethics in a Nutshell
The four dimensions of Legal and Ethical Behavior
|
Legal |
Ethical
|
|
YES |
NO |
| YES |
Ethical and Legal
|
Ethical but Illegal
|
NO
|
Not Ethical but Legal
|
Not ethical and illegal
|
Ethical Guidelines
Not every decision is an ethical dilemma despite how much we might
agonize over it. Here are some guidelines to help us discover if an
ethical dilemma
exists.
Informal Guidelines
1. Is there something you or others would prefer to keep quiet?
- Are there "shushers" in the situation? Who wants to keep
things quiet?
- Does it pass the Mom Test: Would you tell her? Would she do it?
- Does it pass the TV Test: Would you tell a nationwide audience?
- Does it pass the Market Test: Would advertising the activity gain
you a market edge?
2. Does your instinct tell you something is wrong?
- Does it pass the Smell Test: Does the situation "smell?"
Formal Guidelines
- Does the act violate company or institutional policy?
- Does the act violate company or professional codes of conduct or
ethics?
- Does the act violate the Golden Rule?
- Is the act illegal?
Ethical Principles
Here are some questions to ask about proposed actions to assess their
ethical impacts.
Consequentialism
Does the action minimize actual and potential harm?
Does the action maximize actual or potential benefit?
Who or how many people would be affected and to what extent?
Natural Rights
Are any rights abridged? For example,
The right to know
The right to privacy
The right to property
Duties
Are any duties or responsibilities not met?
- Personal duties such as
- Commitment to family, tribe, or nation
- Truthfulness
- Integrity / Honor
- Justice
- Service to others
- Professional Responsibilites
- Maintain appropriate professional relationships
- Maintain efficacy and integrity
- Maintain confidentiality
- Maintain impartiality
Kant's Categorical Imperative
The principle of consistency: What if everyone acted this way?
The principle of respect: Are people treated as ends rather than as
means?