Ethical TestsEthical Tests

Is it right?Is it right? Is it fair?Is it fair? Who gets hurt?Who gets hurt? Would you be comfortable if the details of Would you be comfortable if the details of

your decision were reported on the front your decision were reported on the front page of your local newspaper?page of your local newspaper?

What would you tell your child?What would you tell your child? How does it smell? (How does it feel?)How does it smell? (How does it feel?)

Laura Nash’s 12 QuestionsLaura Nash’s 12 Questions

Have you defined the problem accurately?Have you defined the problem accurately? How would you define the problem if you How would you define the problem if you

stood on the other side of the fence?stood on the other side of the fence? How did the situation occur?How did the situation occur? To whom and to what do you give your To whom and to what do you give your

loyalty as a person and as a member of the loyalty as a person and as a member of the corporation?corporation?

What is your intention in making this What is your intention in making this decision?decision?

Laura Nash’s 12 QuestionsLaura Nash’s 12 Questions

How does this intention compare with the How does this intention compare with the probable results?probable results?

Who could your decision injure?Who could your decision injure? Can you discuss the problem with affected Can you discuss the problem with affected

parties before you make your decision?parties before you make your decision? Are you confident that your decision will be Are you confident that your decision will be

valid over a long period?valid over a long period? Could you disclose, without qualm, your Could you disclose, without qualm, your

decision?decision?

Laura Nash’s 12 QuestionsLaura Nash’s 12 Questions

What is the symbolic potential of your action What is the symbolic potential of your action if understood? If misunderstood?if understood? If misunderstood?

Under what conditions would you allow Under what conditions would you allow exceptions?exceptions?

Golden RuleGolden Rule

““Do unto others as you would have them do Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”unto you.”

The Intuitional EthicThe Intuitional Ethic

We know apart from reason what is right. We know apart from reason what is right. We have a moral sense about what is right We have a moral sense about what is right and wrong. We should follow our “gut and wrong. We should follow our “gut feeling” about what is right.feeling” about what is right.

The Means-Ends EthicThe Means-Ends Ethic

We may choose unscrupulous but efficient We may choose unscrupulous but efficient means to reach the end if the ends are means to reach the end if the ends are really worthwhile and significant. Be sure really worthwhile and significant. Be sure the ends are not the means.the ends are not the means.

The Test of Common SenseThe Test of Common Sense

““Does the action I am getting ready to take Does the action I am getting ready to take really make sense?” Think before acting.really make sense?” Think before acting.

The Test of One’s Best SelfThe Test of One’s Best Self

““Is this action or decision I’m getting ready Is this action or decision I’m getting ready to take compatible with my concept of to take compatible with my concept of myself at my best?”myself at my best?”

The Test of VentilationThe Test of Ventilation

Do not isolate yourself with your dilemma. Do not isolate yourself with your dilemma. Get feedback from others before acting or Get feedback from others before acting or deciding.deciding.

The Test of the Purified IdeaThe Test of the Purified Idea

““Am I thinking this action or decision is right Am I thinking this action or decision is right just because someone with authority or just because someone with authority or knowledge says it is right? You may still be knowledge says it is right? You may still be held responsible for taking action.held responsible for taking action.

ReferenceReference

Joseph W. Weiss, Joseph W. Weiss, Business EthicsBusiness Ethics (Thomson, Ohio, 2006) pp117-118, 142-(Thomson, Ohio, 2006) pp117-118, 142-143.143.