Steps of the Ethical Decision Making Process
Jean Blonigen, Ethics Chairperson
As the new school year begins, it is important to review the steps of the ethical decision making process-both in a personal and professional sense. As school counselors we are required to make ethical decisions while carefully evaluating the needs and rights of everyone involved in difficult situations.
Step one of this process is to identify the problem and determine if it is an ethical, legal, moral or professional problem or combination of these. The process of consultation begins with the student.
Step two involves identifying the potential issues involved. The rights and responsibilities of everyone involved and those who will be effected by the decision must be carefully considered. Maximum age-level appropriate independence must be provided for the student while still protecting their welfare. Potential issues should be prioritized.
Steps three and four involve reviewing the relevant ethical codes and knowing the applicable laws and codes. In this step the American Counselor's Association's Code of Ethics and Standards, as well as the American School Counselors Association's Ethical Standards for School Counselors should be consulted. Applicable state and federal laws, as well as school district or employer policies must be considered. Personal values must also be examined and considered.
In step five outside consultation is obtained. In this step consideration must be given to when and with whom you should consult, information that you want to document and how much involvement there should be for the student in this consultation process.
In step six possible courses of action are considered. Consideration here must be given to ethical obligations, possible courses of action, documentation that will be included and involvement of the student in the brainstorming process.
In step seven consequences of various decisions are listed. An evaluation of possible consequences for each choice is done, as well as an examination of the ethical principles that provide the framework for this process.
In step eight a decision must be made as to what the best course of action appears to be. In this step an action plan is initiated and an evaluation process is formulated. Follow-up occurs to see if further and/or different courses of action may be necessary.
Source of Information:
Corey, Gerald; Corey Schneider Marianne, Haynes, Robert; Steps in the Ethical Decision Making Process; Ethics in Action CD/ROM Version 1.2; Thomson Learning Corporation