Question

Discuss the application of the five-step framework for making ethical decisions in your personal or professional life.

Answer 1

Discuss the application of the five-step framework for making ethical decisions in your personal or professional life

The five-step framework is used by individuals to make an ethical decision in a situation of a dilemma. Also known as EDMF- Ethical Decision Making framework, this framework gives a step to step procedure to tackle the situation and manage the most effective decision with is ethically sound. The framework consists of the 5 As namely assessment, alternatives, analysis, application and action.

The Assesment stage implies to the knowing and gathering of the facts related to the dilemma. Knowing what the issue is about. How does it relate to our ethics and the culture surrounding us? And what can be the implications of any decision taken regarding it? Such information about the dilemma will have to be collected in the assessment stage.

In the next stage, all the alternatives that can be applied to solve the dilemma with an ethical decision have to be determined. The choices of alternatives can be listed down and the pros and cons of each alternative can be considered. This gives us a clear picture of which is the most amicable choice for making the right decision.

After listing down the alternatives the next step involves selection of the best alternative after a deep analysis of the same. The decision has to be identified and tested. This may involve considering the impacts it will have on us and the people involved in the dilemma. Also if the decision we made is based purely on our emotional intelligence or on some external influence.

The next step is applying various decision-making theories to our decision. The principles of decision making should not be ignored while making an ethical decision whether in professional life or personal life. These ethical principles will help us to consider the most ethically sound decision for the issue.

The final step is making the decision which involves making it public, taking the responsibility of it and will be feel good about the decision we have taken. The decision does not hold the responsibility of solving the dilemma alone but also plays a great part in our emotional, social, personal and professional lives. It decides who we are and what we decided to be for the rest of our lives. The ethical decision impacts our lives to a great extent hence taking the right decision and being firm about its righteousness is essential.