Ethical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical alternative. An ethical decision is one that engenders trust, and thus indicates responsibility, fairness and caring to an individual. To be ethical, one has to demonstrate respect, and responsibility.

1. Ethical Decisions
Dr Emmanuel Daniel
Faculty of Social Work

2. Synopsis
• Concept
• The process of making ethical decisions
• Good Decisions
• Core Ethical Values in Ethical Decisions
• Obstacles in Ethical Decision Making
• A 7-Step Path in making Ethical
Decisions
• Things to Ask Yourself
• Ethical Decisions in different cultures
• Ethical Decisions in Consumer
Protection
• Ethical Decisions in Environmental
protection
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3. Concept
• Collective consciousness of modern
society
• Foundation for the actions
• Ethics considered an option of
convenience
• Self-discovery
• Creditability
• Process of evaluating and choosing
among alternatives
• Perceive and eliminate unethical options
• Select the best ethical alternative
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5. The process of making Ethical Decisions
COMMITMENT CONSCIOUSNESS COMPETENCY
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6. Good Decisions
Ethical decisions Effective decisions
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7. Core Ethical
Values in
Ethical
Decisions
• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring
• Citizenship
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8. Obstacles in
Ethical
Decision
Making
• If it's necessary, it's ethical
• The false necessity trap
• If it's legal and permissible, it's proper
• It's for a good cause
• It doesn't hurt anyone
• It's OK if I don't gain personally
• I've got it coming
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9. A 7-Step Path in making Ethical Decisions
Stop and think Clarify goals Determine facts
Develop options
Consider
consequences
Choose
Monitor and
modify
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10. Making Ethical Decisions:
Things to Ask Yourself
• Does your decision conflict with any of
the core ethical values?
• How will your decision affect others?
• Ask yourself: Are my actions legal?
• How would your decision look if it
were reported on the news or in another
public forum?
• Would you be proud of your choice if
your child were to find out? Would you
want them to make the same choice?
• Will you sleep soundly tonight?
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13. Ethical
Decisions in
Consumer
Protection
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• Minimum moral and ethical standards
• Freedom to utilize its resources
• Level of responsibility
• Protecting the interests of various
stakeholders
• High Competition
• Marketing strategies
• Role of Government

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15. Environment Protection
• The environment should be protected in the name of
serving human welfare.
• The environment should be protected in the name of
serving future generations’ welfare.
• The environment should be protected in the name of
serving animal welfare.
• The environment should be protected for its own sake.

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17. Ethical Decisions in
Environmental Protection
• Conservation
• Protection
• Stop polluting the environment
• Banning hazardous products
• Commitment by the top
management
• Develop work culture for
environmental protection
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18. Ethical Decisions in
Environmental Protection
• Commitment shared by all the employees
• Using scientific techniques of disposal
• Waste management
• Adapt to the laws and regulations
• Participation in government programmes
• Assessment of pollution control programmes
• Promoting green energy
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19. References
• Blink (2020) Ethical Decisions. Retrieved from
https://blink.ucsd.edu/finance/accountability/ethics/core-
values.html
• The Ethics Centre (2020) Ethical Decision Making. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0uwTBrgqxI
• Prince (2017) Impact of Culture in Decision Making. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaI3omXyimA
• Buzzle (2017) What are Environmental Ethics and Our Moral
Responsibilities. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afNRimFNWyw
• Ecokerr (2019) Importance of Business Sustainability. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xalJZokWu_Q
• Iken Edu (2012) Consumer Protection- A Brief. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_0UmsB7tho
• Toppr (2020) Business Ethics and Environment Protection.
Retrieved from https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-
studies/social-responsibilities-of-business/business-ethics-and-
environment-protection/
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