MORAL DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• relate leadership to decision making and discuss rational perspectives on decision
making
• explore strategies for fostering an ethical organizational culture and understand
the role of leadership in shaping and sustaining such a culture
• identify and explain key ethical principles relevant to leadership and management,
such as integrity, accountability, and transparency
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STEPS IN DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
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1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
“What is the ethical Characteristics:
question?”
• Convert fact from
opinion
Clearly define the nature of
the challenge. Often, it can • Find what expectation
begin simply with a process, or standard is breached
or decision that makes a • Identify in which process
leader uncomfortable. Take the problem resides
time to explore the issue in
detail. 4
2. ESTABLISH DECISION CRITERIA
Recognize and define a decision situation. List the information you will
need to obtain to make an informed decision. Also, find information from
external sources, including market research, and, in some cases,
assessment from paid consultants.
A situation can change once all the facts are known, and planning based
on incomplete information may lead to disaster.
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3. WEIGH DECISION CRITERIA
This involves assigning importance or • Consider the values and principles that
priority to different factors that influence your organization promotes. This may
the choices available. In the context of include reviewing the company's mission
statement, code of ethics, and any
leadership and management, this process
established cultural norms.
helps leaders and managers determine
which ethical principles or values should • Recognize the interests and perspectives of
carry more weight in a g involves different stakeholders involved in the
assigning importance or priority to decision. Consider the impact on
different factors that influence the employees, customers, shareholders, and
choices available. In the context of the broader community.
leadership and management, this process
helps leaders determine which ethical
principles or values should carry more
weight in each situation. 6
4. GENERATE ALTERNATIVES
The leader/manager begins looking in detail at potential resolutions and their likely outcomes.
This is also an appropriate time to seek counsel from people with knowledge and expertise in
relevant areas. Consider creative options that go beyond simple answers.
Leaders and managers should…
• Ensure that the generated alternatives align with ethical principles specific to healthcare, such
as patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
• Foster an environment that encourages open and honest communication. In healthcare,
collaboration and the ability to share perspectives are essential for generating effective
alternatives.
• Engage in a brainstorming session to generate a variety of potential alternatives. Encourage
creativity and consider different perspectives on how the ethical dilemma could be approached.
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5. EVALUATE THE ALTERNATIVES
In this step, each option is assessed and examined considering the decision-
making process. Studying each option should consider the work required and
the desired result.
When assessing any alternative solution, the following questions are typically asked:
1. Is it feasible in terms of costs, time, legal constraints, human resources, and other
resources?
2. Is it a satisfactory way to solve problems?
3. Will the alternative have positive effects on the organization?
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6. CHOOSE THE BEST ALTERNATIVE
This is the phase to decide after the evaluation of various alternatives. Here, the best
feasible alternative is being selected.
For the best alternative, manager should consider the following:
a. short-term as well as long-term impacts on organizational performance
b. relevance to Decision Criteria
c. cost-benefit Analysis
d. time frame
Not making a choice is the wrong choice. Leaders must work through these steps and arrive
at a decision if they hope to retain trust among team members, executives,
shareholders, and consumers
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7. IMPLEMENT THE DECISION
This is the decision-making process's The leader/manager should:
operational phase. The efficiency of the
a. clearly communicate the decision to all
decision-maker is measured in terms of
effective implementation of the decision. relevant stakeholders
b. explain the ethical rationale behind the
A decision-maker must provide instructions to decision. Clearly articulate how the
the operational authorities and communicate chosen alternative aligns with ethical
them from time to time. She/he should use principles and values
alternatives and communication skills for the c. develop a detailed implementation plan
successful implementation of the decision. outlining specific steps, timelines, and
Management must consider the organizational responsibilities. A well-structured plan
objectives that can be achieved if the course of
enhances the likelihood of successful
action is implemented in the best possible way.
execution.
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8. EVALUATE THE DECISION
Reviewing the implementation means knowing its actual performance it. As decision-making is a
continuous process it is necessary to evaluate the performance from time to time. A follow-up
and review of actual achievement are essential. In case the implementation does not give the
desired results, it is necessary to involve in the modification of procedures and techniques that
can be made to bring the work to the desired track. It also helps in taking an appropriate
decision at the right time.
As a decision maker, take a sincere look back at your decision. Did you solve the problem? Did
You meet your goals? Did you answer the question? If not, learn from your mistakes as you start
the decision-making process again.
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Benefits of Decision-Making Process in
Leadership and Management
1. Builds trust and credibility
2. Enhances reputation
3. Strengthens organizational Culture
4. Mitigates Legal and Reputational Risks
5. Long Term Sustainability
6. Attracts and Retains Talent
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Integrating an ethical dilemma decision-making process
into leadership and management practices not only aligns
with moral principles but also provides tangible benefits
to the organization, its stakeholders, and the overall work
environment.
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Reflective questions:
1. How can a leader's personal values positively or
negatively influence the ethical decision-making
process?
2. In a rapidly changing world, how can leaders adapt
their ethical decision-making to address emerging
challenges?
THANK YOU!
Caritas Christi, Urget Nos!
References:
Sujan. (2023, August 20). Decision making process: A complete step-by-step guide -
Tyonote. tyonote. https://tyonote.com/decision_making_process/
Ameliakling. (2023, June 16). Ethical decision
making. https://www.michiganstateuniversityonline.com/resources/leadership/guide-to-
ethical-decision-making/
