Last Updated: February 3, 2022 3:30:12 PM PST Learn why ethics awareness is important to you and to UCSD. Acting ethically is the right thing to do, but it's not always easy. Often, conforming to a high standard of conduct is not about clear-cut right and wrong decisions, but choosing the "lesser of two evils." Some decisions require that you prioritize and choose between
competing ethical values and principles. Ethical decision-making is based on core character values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Ethical decisions generate ethical behaviors and provide a foundation for good business practices. See a model for making ethical decisions. It will provide you with a framework and practical strategies as
you make decisions. Public employees are expected to
be examples of responsible citizenship. Employees of the University have a responsibility to make all professional decisions based on merit, unimpeded by conflicting personal interests. We are expected to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Our reputation is important because it affects the University's ability to attract students, faculty, and staff. Our reputation also impacts the quality of research performed, the community's perception of us, and our standing as a renowned public
institution. Below are some consequences of unethical behavior: How Do We Cultivate An Ethical Institution?
ResourcesUniversity of California Ethics ProgramThe Office of the President has created the University of California Ethics Program. Key elements include:
For background information, see:
Helpful Links
Making Ethical DecisionsCore Ethical ValuesSix key ethical values can help you build character in yourself and others. TrustworthinessDo what you say you'll do. A person who is trustworthy exhibits the following behaviors:
RespectTreat others better than they treat you. A person who is respectful exhibits the following behaviors:
ResponsibilityDo what you are supposed to do. A person who is responsible exhibits the following behaviors:
FairnessPlay by the rules. A person who is fair exhibits the following behaviors:
CaringShow you care. A person who is caring exhibits the following behaviors:
CitizenshipDo your share. A person who is a good citizen exhibits the following behaviors:
Copyright 2000 Josephson Institute of Ethics The Decision Making ModelThe "Character-Based Decision-Making Model" model, developed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, can be applied to many common problems and can also be used by most individuals facing ethical dilemmas. It involves three steps:
ProcessEthical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical alternative. The process of making ethical decisions requires:
Good decisions are both ethical and effective:
Copyright 2002 Josephson Institute of Ethics Obstacles
Source: Josephson Institute of Ethics A 7-Step PathMaking ethical choices requires the ability to make distinctions between competing options. Here are seven steps to help you make better decisions:
Copyright 2002 Josephson Institute of Ethics Questions To Ask YourselfBefore making a difficult decision, consider asking yourself the following questions to see if you are on ethical thin ice.
Copyright 2000 Josephson Institute of Ethics What are 4 factors you should consider when making an ethical decision?A rudimentary framework for how managers engage in the decision making process contains four steps.. 1) Identify the problem.. 2) Generate alternatives.. 3) Decide on a course of action.. 4) Implement.. What is essential to making decisions that are ethically responsible?Ethical decision-making is based on core character values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Ethical decisions generate ethical behaviors and provide a foundation for good business practices.
What are 3 factors you should consider when making an ethical decision?Three of the important components of ethical decision making are individual factors, organizational relationships, and opportunity.
Is one element that distinguishes good people who make ethically responsible decisions from good people who do not?Creativity in identifying options—also called "moral imagination"—is one element that distinguishes good people who make ethically responsible decisions from good people who do not.
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