In
Business Ethics: Decision-Making for Personal Integrity and Social Responsibility, Laura Hartman and Joe DesJardins provide a roadmap for the Decision-Making Model outlined below:
1. Determine the facts. Watch for bias from the start.
2. Identify the ethical issues involved.
3. Identify stakeholders. That is, who will be affected by this decision?
4. Consider the available alternatives. Think creatively, beyond just the obvious choices.
5. Consider how a decision affects stakeholders. Ask: What are the consequences, both beneficial and harmful? What duties, rights and principles are involved? What does the law say? What is a fair and impartial decision? What are the implications for personal integrity and character? And so on.
6. Seek guidance. From others and from your professional or company ethics code.
7. Assess or monitor the decision’s outcome.