ABSTRACT
Most people think of ethical decisions as a single ethical choice. However, most often they are not just one decision. In the practicalities of the real world where people work and live, ethical dilemmas often involve a series of choices—each of which has consequences. This chapter starts with a discussion of the nature of ethical decision-making, which is followed by two illustrative situations. The starting point for all ethical decisions is an awareness of relevant ethical business conduct, and legal issues, in order to know when one needs to proceed with caution. The second point is the principle of transparency. With this background, the chapter covers a step-by-step rational process (as opposed to an ideological process) for making better ethical decisions. This is followed by a way to test the decision, and some advice on choosing an ethical place to work. To avoid leaving the impression that ethical decision-making is simple, the chapter closes with a serious discussion of how power can corrupt successful leaders. It contains both a warning and some advice. Several relevant exercises are presented that illustrate some of the many gray areas that exist in ethical decision-making.
