Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Ethical decision-making is characterized by respect for others, an awareness of justice, and sensitivity to the application of rules of conduct. It is an essential skill for all professionals. 


Keep in mind that there is not necessarily a “right” answer to an ethical dilemma. Ethical decision-making is often difficult because you must decide not between “right” and “wrong” but between “right” and “right.” This framework provides a lens for situations where the answer is not simply ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. It presents five key elements of ethical decision-making.


Based on Robert Audi, the IAE Framework for Ethical Decision Making offers you a five-step process for effective and documented decision-making. If you use this framework to solve every ethical problem you encounter, you will become a powerful ethical decision-maker, which in turn will allow you to be an influential and effective professional. The lessons learned will make future ethical decision-making more efficient.


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How it works

Classify: What Principles Are At Issue?

Remember Key Ideas:

Truthfulness, Highest Personal Ethics, Distinguish Ads from Content, Meaningful Disclosure, Fair Treatment of Audiences, Protect Consumer Privacy, Lawfulness, Permission to Discuss, Fair Business Dealings

Identify: Identify Any Conflicts of Principles

Some duties, such as protecting the health of the consumers, may be more important than others.


Ask: To whom do you owe a duty - your clients), employer, colleagues, and/or others?

Assess Ethical Risks: Prioritize Principles

Rank The Order of Principles. Use tentative numbers to "quantify" around principles Consider influences - Outside Pressure, Internal Biases, etc.


Additional Guidance: Consider an objective assessment by other parties to gain additional perspective

Select Options: Determine Best Course of Action

Decide the best way to resolve issues surrounding the principles in question. Ensure that your solution demonstrates respect to the involved parties.

Decide & Act: Once an Option is Selected, Act!

1) By Making The Decision Yourself: The action(s) depends on the situation. Some decision may multiple actions or none.

2) By Elevating The Issue To A Higher Authority: The best course of action may be to elevate your concern to a more appropriate party.

Download the framework

Want to take the framework with you? Click below to download a PDF version of the IAE's Ethical Decision-Making Framework.

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