1.STATE THE PROBLEM.
Be as specific as possible, include feelings or thoughts which have led you to believe that you
find yourself in a potential ethical problem.
For example, “there’s something about this decision that makes me uncomfortable” or “do I have
a conflict of interest?”.
2.CHECK THE FACTS
Do your due diligence in investigating the background and outlining the facts. Sometimes,
problems are resolved or change upon closer examination of the situation.
3.IDENTIFY RELEVANT FACTORS
Identify and outline the who are the individuals involved, what laws or procedures are in
question, if any professional codes of conduct apply, or are there any other practical constraints.
4.DEVELOP A LIST OF OPTIONS
Brainstorm and outline what are your alternatives, consider what other actions or decisions are
available to you besides the original one that presents a concern. Consider if there is someone
with possible experience that you can go to who can provide insights or perspectives.
5.TEST THE OPTIONS
Reflect on the moral principles that are inherent to this case and consider the impacts. Use
some of the following tests:
• harm test: Does this option do less harm than the alternatives?
• publicity test: Would I want my choice of this option published in the newspaper?
• defensibility test: Could I defend my choice of this option before a congressional
committee or committee of peers?
• reversibility test: Would I still think this option was a good choice if I were adversely
affected by it?
• colleague test: What do my colleagues say when I describe my problem and suggest this
option as my solution?
• professional test: What might my profession’s governing body for ethics say about this
option?
• organization test: What does my company’s ethics officer or legal counsel say about
this?
6.MAKE A CHOICE
based on steps 1-5.
7.REVIEW STEPS 1-6
Reflect and consider how you might be able to prevent or reduce the likelihood that this will
become a problem again in the future. If the potential for repeat exists, how can you mitigate or
prevent this in the future.
• Is there any way to change the organization (for example, suggest policy change at next
departmental meeting)?
• Consider which moral theory(s) you considered in making this choice.