Making the right ethical decisions

The unauthorised use of someone else’s property or taking property under false pretences is taking something that does not belong to you .

• Saying things you know are not true .

Falsely assigning blame or inaccurately reporting conversations is lying. Although “this is the way the game is played around here” is a common justification, saying things that are untrue is an ethical violation .

• Giving or allowing false impressions .

• Buying influence or engaging in a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when the official responsibilities of a government official are influenced by the potential for personal gain .

• Hiding or divulging information .

• Taking unfair advantage .

• Committing improper personal behaviour .

Personal conduct outside the job can influence performance and institutional reputation .

• Abusing another person. Sexually harassing employees or subjecting employees to humiliating corrections in the presence of others .

• Violating rules .

• Condoning unethical decisions .

The notion that “people should act so as to generate the greatest good for the greatest number” is still very relevant and ethically right. When an action affects the majority adversely, it is morally wrong .

Leaders and managers must establish patterns of behaviour that determine what’s acceptable and what’s not within an organisation .

Employees often follow the examples set by their managers .

Ministers of government, members of Parliament, judges, magistrates, members of State boards and leaders on a whole can be helped in making the right ethical decision by the use of two important tests: (1) The feelings test .

“How does it make me feel?” This enables the person to examine their comfort level with a particular decision .

Many people find that after reaching a decision on an issue they still experience discomfort that may manifest itself in a loss of sleep or appetite .

Those feelings of conscience can serve as a future guide in resolving ethical dilemmas .

(2) Front page of the newspaper test. The question to be asked is how a critical and objective reporter would report your decision in a front page story. How will the headline read if I make this decision? This test is helpful in spotting and resolving potential conflicts of interest .

It is important now more than ever for leaders to have a conscience .

A good, clean conscience, one that will redound to the benefit of our citizenry .

CUTHBERT SANDY Point Fortin