Ethical Decision Making #3

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

This is the third posts, that I am devoting to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models.

My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…
· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)
· Just Business, Hill (1997)
· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

Each model helps give a process that will prove helpful in making ethical decisions. Each model also emphasizes the fact that doing the right thing, and making ethical decisions are not always easy, and many times require us to look deeply at who we are, and what shapes us personally.
In these posts I outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

3. The Discipline of Building Character

The article, "The Discipline of Building Character" helped give clarity to dilemma of deciding between what is the best thing to do, especially when we are faced with a decision that has two or more possible outcomes that are all right. The author gave three different examples of how a person was forced to make a decision base on one of the following questions…
· Who am I?
· Who are we?
· Who is the company?

Each of these questions requires a person, group, or company to align themselves with their core values and be willing to stand for what they know is right even when it is difficult.

The principles outlined in this article helped frame the concept of making an ethical decision in terms of viewing that decision as a defining moment in a person, group or company’ journey.

The major comparison I saw between all three models was the fact that ethical decision making is not easy, and with every decision there are consequences that need to be taken into consideration.

The Model set forth in Moral Choices and Just Business were definitely from a Christian perspective, but even though the article wasn’t necessarily written from a Christian view, the principles could easily fit into both of the other models as well.

The major contrast I saw between the three models was that Moral Choices proposed a process in making ethical decisions, Just business proposed a Godly lifestyle in making ethical decisions, and The Discipline of Building Character proposed an understanding of deep rooted values in making ethical decisions.

Ethical Decision Making #2

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

This is the second of three posts, that I am devoting to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models.

My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…

· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)

· Just Business, Hill (1997)

· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

Each model helps give a process that will prove helpful in making ethical decisions. Each model also emphasizes the fact that doing the right thing, and making ethical decisions are not always easy, and many times require us to look deeply at who we are, and what shapes us personally.

In these posts I outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

2. Just Business, Hill (1997)

The premise of the book Just Business as it relates to making ethical decisions is summed up in the fact that God is perfect and man is not. Thus, we need to rely on God’s guiding principles in all areas of life, especially making ethical decisions.

The author states that “The foundation of Christian ethics in business is not rules but the changeless character of God.” He further points out that “Behavior consistent with God’s character is ethical – that which is not is unethical.” The model that permeates the book is based on the fact that principles of God’s character are what man should strive to implement in his life.

The three main components of that character are…
• Holiness
• Justice
• Love

The author uses an illustration of a three legged stool to paint a picture of the balance that holiness, justice and love bring as one seeks to make ethical decisions.

Hill elaborates on each component and provides helpful insight, thoughtful questions, and scripture backing for the fact that God is Holy, God is Just and God is Loving, and if we as flawed human beings want to make ethical decisions we need to strive to be imitators of God’s character.

The major comparison I saw between this model and the model outlined in Moral Choices is the fact that God’s principles carry more weight than man’s principles when making ethical decisions.

Step three in the Moral Choices model encourages the infusion of the Biblical principles of God’s character that Just Business talks about by asking the question “How can I emulate God’s character of Holiness, Justice and Love in this ethical decision?”

The major contrast I saw between these two models was that Moral Choices seemed to outline a more logical, step by step process, in determining ethical decisions and Just Business seemed to be suggesting that we need to develop a lifestyle that models the character of God, and as we face ethical decisions we will be more likely to know what the best course of action is based on God’s leading in our lives.

Constantly seeking to make wise decisions,

Brent

Ethical Decision Making #1

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

The next three posts, I would like to dedicate to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models. My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models
The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…
· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)
· Just Business, Hill (1997)
· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

Each model helps give a process that will prove helpful in making ethical decisions. Each model also emphasizes the fact that doing the right thing, and making ethical decisions are not always easy, and many times require us to look deeply at who we are, and what shapes us personally.

In this paper I will outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

1. Moral Choices - In the book Moral Choices, the author gives an insightful introduction to ethics where he poses the question “Why study ethics?” He states that “Ethics are important because moral questions are at the heart of life’s most important issues.

Morality is primarily concerned with questions of right and wrong, the ability to distinguish between the two, and the justification of the distinction.”

I think this statement is at the heart of the process of ethical decision making that he outlines in the book. If one is going to be able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong and be able to justify the distinction, then a process that will help ensure that the right questions are asked in determining the best decision is crucial.

Rae seeks to help in this process by proposing the following ethical decision making model…

1. Gather the facts (Two questions are critical)
- What do we know?
- What do we need to know?

2. Determine the ethical issues
- What are the competing interests in the ethical decision?

3. What principles have a bearing on the case?
- What principles carry more weight than others?
- Biblical principles
- Constitution
- Natural Law etc.

4. List the alternatives
- What are the alternative courses of action?

5. Compare the alternatives with the principles
- Can a clear decision be reached at this point?

6. Consider the consequences
- List both positive and negative consequences of the decision to be made

7. Make a decision
- Ethical decisions often have no easy answers
- Which decision has the least amount of negative consequences?

Seeking to make wise decisions, and trusting that you are as well,
Brent

Leadership Reflections - God doesn't waste a hurt

The Phrase, “God doesn’t waste a hurt”, is a phrase I’ve used hundreds of times over the years. I’ve used it in sermons, in lessons, in counseling sessions and articles. It’s a phrase that carries a huge impact if you think about it.

God is in control of all things, and He allows His children to go through the good and the bad, the easy and the hard, the understandable and the confusing.

The question then becomes, “God what do you want me to learn from this, and how do you want me to become more like you through this?”

In processing this phrase, and in reading through some of my Master’s Degree work, I came across this series of questions and concepts that really helped me grasp and begin to understand the fact that God doesn’t waste a hurt.

This reflection and history process was a very encouraging process for me, as I realized that I have many things to be thankful for. Many times I have taken for granted the events and people that have helped shape me, and this process has helped me to grasp the importance of making the most of every opportunity that has been given to me.

I encourage you to prayerfully work through the questions and concepts as you reflect on who you are, and what has gone in to shaping you to this point in history, and realize anew that God knows you, loves you, forgives you and has a plan for you!

1. What events have had a significant influence on your life both positive and negative?
2. How have these events influenced your thoughts, decisions and actions up to this point?
3. Who are the people who have most significantly influenced your life? How did they influence you? What impact did they have on you?
4. How have you been hindered or discouraged from personal and professional growth and development?
5. Does it matter how other people perceive you? When? Why?
6. How much of your behavior is motivated by what others may be thinking?
7. How would you describe your risk tolerance? What may hold you back from taking risks that God may have for you?
8. Do you consider yourself more open or closed to feedback? Why?
9. What specialized training or experience do you possess? List 10 significant talents you possess, which are you consistently complimented or commended? Which talents are currently being utilized, and not being utilized?
10. How do you define success for your life? How does this definition influence your decisions?
11. If money were not an issue, what goal would you like to accomplish?
12. What would you like to be most known for at the conclusion of your life? Write an epitaph you would like on your tombstone.

Reflecting with you,

Brent