DPBS1110 Evidence-Based Problem Solving
Unit 3 Tutorial: Frameworks for
Ethical Decision-Making
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Unit 3 Tutorial Agenda
• Framework for Ethical
Decision-Making
Bullet Proof
Problem Solving
Framework
Problem
Solving
Tools
Case studies
and examples
Tutorial Learning Objectives
1. Identify an ethical dilemmas
2. Apply the framework for ethical decision-making
(TW adapted from Treviño and Nelson 2011) 6
MORAL
JUDGEMENT
Involves:
• Ethical reasoning
• Normative
philosophical
frameworks
• Moral maturity
MORAL
AWARENESS
Involves:
• Moral imagination
• Empathic
understanding
• Recognition of mental
models, assumptions
and biases
ETHICAL
BEHAVIOUR
Involves:
• Reflective practice
• Influencing skills
• Consideration of
others’ reasons and
rationalisations
Ethical thinking and action
Deciding
what’s right
Taking action
to do the right
thing
Recognising the
existence of an
ethical issue
Background & Issues of the Case
• Individually:
Note down what you think are the 5 most important
things about this case
• Tutorial group:
Share your answers
Framework for Ethical Decision-Making:
Steps 1 & 2
• Break out group:
Discuss Steps 1 & 2
• Tutorial group:
Share your answers
Any disagreements on 4 stakeholders?
Was James Hardie Group right to limit the funding of their
asbestos compensation fund?
Step 1: Assessing the Situation
In the first step, we assess the situation.
You have used your moral imagination to identify an ethical dilemma.
Now take time to define the problem.
Why does it have moral content?
What are the facts?
Who are the 4 most important stakeholders?
What might their perspectives be?
Think through some alternatives to the perspective that you prefer.
What might be some lasting effects on stakeholders?
Step 2: Assumptions and Worldviews
In the second step we reflect carefully on any assumptions,
worldviews or biases that we may be taking for granted in
this case. This type of reflection is best done with others.
What are the assumptions that relate to this situation?
Do they need to be considered and challenged?
Are there any biases in the way we are thinking about this
issue?
Framework for Ethical Decision-Making:
Steps 3 & 4
• Break out group:
Discuss steps 3 & 4
• Tutorial group:
Share your answers and explore differences in
justifications (e.g. What arguments are being
used?)
Step 3: Principles, Duties and Care Needs
The third step brings us to the relevant principles, duties and relationships.
Imagine yourself in a personal relationship with your stakeholders,
especially those with less power.
How can we be receptive and responsive to their needs?
What are the rights of our stakeholders including data subjects and the
community?
How do we take into account their essential humanity and ensure they are
not simply used as means to an end?
What, then, are our duties towards these stakeholders?
Are any duties in conflict?
How do we ensure fair processes and outcomes?
How are justice needs addressed?
Step 4: Process, Outcomes and Consequences
In step 4, we move to some possible options and their
consequences.
What are our possible options?
What are the consequences of these actions on key stakeholders?
What would happen if this decision was made universal?
How is the common good served?
List of virtues that can apply to business
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Wisdom
• Fairness
• Respect
• Trust
• Empathy
• Self-control
• Courage
Framework for Ethical Decision-Making:
Step 5
• Break out group:
Discuss Step 5
• Tutorial group:
Share your answers and explore differences in
justifications (e.g. What arguments are being used?)
Step 5: Character Factors
Now think about the overarching aim of human flourishing.
If you were a senior executive at James Hardie what three
virtues might apply to this situation?
How does the decision relate to the kind of person I want to
be?
Would it make James Hardie a ‘virtuous’ organisation?
Framework for Ethical Decision-Making:
Steps 6 & 7
• Break out group:
Discuss steps 6 & 7.
• Tutorial group:
Share your answers and explore differences in
justifications (e.g. What arguments are being used?)
Step 6: Comprehensive assessment
It’s now time to weigh up all of the considerations you
have just been working through.
Do any factors warrant greater priority? Why?
What is would be an ethical decision for James Hardie to
make in this specific situation? Why?
Step 7: Justify your decision
When you develop habits of ethical thinking, you
become better able to justify your decision.
Unit 3 Recap
Bullet Proof
Problem Solving
Framework
Problem
Solving
Tools
Case studies
and examples
• Framework for Ethical
Decision-Making
Now apply to
Assessment 2
Preparation for Unit 4 Tutorial
• Please work through Statistical Questions.























































































































































































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