consequences of different decisions

 

Ten Best Ethical Decision Making Models

Elaine Congress ETHIC Model of Decision Making E – Evaluate relevant personal, societal, agency, client, and professional values T – Think about what ethical standard of the NASW Code of Ethics applies, as well as relevant laws and case decisions H – Hypothesize about possible consequences of different decisions I – Identify who will benefit and who will be harmed in view of social work’s commitment to the most vulnerable C – Consult with supervisor and colleagues about the most ethical choice ACA Ethical Decision Making Model

1. Identify the problem. 2. Apply the ACA Code of Ethics. 3. Determine the nature of the dimensions of the dilemma. 4. Generate potential courses of action. 5. Consider the potential consequences of all options, choose a course of action. 6. Evaluate the selected course of action. 7. Implement the course of action. Reamer and Conrad’s Essential Steps for Ethical Problems Solving

1. DETERMINE whether there is an ethical issue or/and dilemma. Is there a conflict of values, or rights, or professional responsibilities? (For example, there may be an issue of self-determination of an adolescent versus the well-being of the family.)

2. IDENTIFY the key values and principles involved. What meanings and limitations are typically attached to these competing values? (For example, rarely is confidential information held in absolute secrecy; however, typically decisions about access by third parties to sensitive content should be contracted with clients.)

3. RANK the values or ethical principles which – in your professional judgment – are most relevant to the issue or dilemma. What reasons can you provide for prioritizing one competing value/principle over another? (For example, your client’s right to choose a beneficial course of action could bring hardship or harm to others who would be affected.)

4. DEVELOP an action plan that is consistent with the ethical priorities that have been determined as central to the dilemma. Have you conferred with clients and colleagues, as appropriate, about the potential risks and consequences of alternative courses of action? Can you support or justify your action plan with the values/principles on which the plan is based? (For example, have you conferred with all the necessary persons regarding the ethical dimensions of planning for a battered wife’s quest to secure secret shelter and the implications for her teen-aged children?)

5. IMPLEMENT your plan, utilizing the most appropriate practice skills and competencies. How will you make use of core social work skills such as sensitive communication, skillful negotiation, and cultural competence? (For example, skillful colleague or supervisory communication and negotiation may enable an impaired colleague to see her/his impact on clients and to take appropriate action.)

6. REFLECT on the outcome of this ethical decision-making process. How would you evaluate the consequences of this process for those involved: Client(s), professional(s), and agency (ies)? (Increasingly, professionals have begun to seek support, further professional training, and consultation through the development of Ethics Review Committees or Ethics Consultation processes.)

 

 

Dolgoff, Loewenberg and Harrington – A General Decision Making Model Step 1. Identify the problem and the factors that contribute to its maintenance Step 2. Identify all of the persons and institutions involved in this problem, such as clients, victims, support systems, other professionals and others Step 3. Determine who should be involved in the decision making Step 4. Identify the values relevant to this problem held by the several participants identified in Step 2, including the client’s and worker’s Step 5. Identify the goals and objectives whose attainment you believe may resolve (or reduce) the problem Step 6. Identify alternate intervention strategies and targets Step 7. Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of each alternative in terms of the identified goals Step 8. Select the most appropriate strategy Step 9. Implement the strategy selected Step 10. Monitor the implementation, paying particular attention to unanticipated consequences Step 11. Evaluate the results and identify additional problems Steinman, Richardson and McEnroe Ethical Decision-Making Process