Developing an Ethical Framework and Applying It to an Ethical Dilemma

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Recommended: short note on personal ethics

Introduction

It is the purpose of this paper to explain the process by which I have come to develop my own ethical framework and apply this framework to an ethical dilemma. I have discovered through my research that an ethical framework is a collection of guidelines, usually in question format, that function together to support and reinforce the ethical decision-making process. Ethical frameworks can be designed and applied in both personal life settings and professional work environments. By implementing an ethical framework, whether for personal use or for a professional environment, individuals, team-members and leaders can be assured that the decisions they are making are thought-out and their actions are ethical.

When I started to think about developing an ethical framework my first thought was of Isaac Newton, who is commonly known for the idea that, for every action there is a reaction. This thought became the foundation upon which I began my research. I obtained articles that contemplated the role of values, personality, and emotions within the ethical decision-making process. I paired this research with a well-developed ethical framework by Santa Clara University and James Rest’s Model of Moral Action. These developed ideas and ethical decision-making foundations allowed me to contemplate, identify and understand how I could come to ethical decisions and how these decisions would determine my ethical actions.

Ethical Framework: Starting with Research

Outlined in Organizational Ethics by Craig Johnson (2012) are the “Components of Personal Ethical Development” (Johnson, 2012, p. 49). This is where my research began; I felt that it was important to first identify my current state of moral behavior and values. “...

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...ics , 31 (2), 175-187: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25074527

Johnson, C. E. (2012). Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Moberg, J. D. (2000). Time Pressure and Ethical Decision-Making: The Case for Moral Readiness. Business & Professional Ethics Journal , 19 (2), 41-67: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27801220

Sims, R., & Keon, T. L. (2000). The Influence of Organizational Expectations on Ethical Decision Making Conflict. Journal of Business Ethics , 23 (2), 219-228: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25074237

Sharma, P., & Bhal, K. T. (2003). Impact of Personality Factors on Ethical Frameworks and Ethical Decision Making. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations , 38 (3), 297-317: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27767850

Robinson, D., & Garrett, C. (2008). Introducing Ethics: A Graphic Guide. London: Icon Books, Ltd.

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