Ethical Decision Making: Ethics refers to principles that define behavior as fair and proper and they are concerned with how a moral person should behave when it comes to making an ethical decision (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). Evaluating and deciding among competing options is often key in making a fair choice since principles do not always dictate a single "moral" course of action.

The decision of whether to lay off workers to enhance profits or to cut corners on quality to meet a deadline are examples of some choices regarding ethics business owners may face (Poznak Law Firm, 2003). The use of extremely low-wage foreign workers, especially in the garment industry, is a current concern and the subject is a complex one.

There are many valid differences of opinion regarding what constitutes ethical behavior and how ethical decisions should be made and the subject is a complex one (Poznak Law Firm, 2003). There are always pros and cons involved with any choice and the decision itself can be quite time consuming. When it comes to deciding whether or not to use cheap labor to cut costs, businesses must examine the ethics behind their decision-making processes.

Approaches to Ethical Decision-Making

Four approaches that business owners commonly use to analyze ethical dilemmas are the utilitarian approach, which focuses on taking the action that will result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people; the moral rights approach, which is concerned with moral principles, regardless of the consequences; the universalist approach, in which one determines whether a particular action should apply to all people under all circumstances and whether you they would be willing to have someone else apply the rule to them; and the cost-benefit approach, which balances the costs and benefits of taking vs. not taking a particular action.

Unfortunately, some companies...

If a business is losing money each month, increasing payroll expenses are sometimes not an option. However, these companies should at least consider cutting costs in other areas of business to pay their employees fairly.
Besides believing in the importance of ethics, ethical decision-making requires foresight and sensitivity to consequence of choices, the ability to evaluate complex and incomplete facts, and the skill to achieve the required goals behind the choice being made (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). The decision maker must rank competing moral claims and be able to predict consequences. Economic, professional and social pressures can also obscure moral issues. The ability to make a sound choice often requires a framework of principles that are reliable and a procedure for implementing them to the dilemma.

Ground Rules

We all have the power to make decisions and we are morally responsible for the consequences of our choices (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). The process of making ethical decisions requires commitment and the desire to do the right thing regardless of the cost. It also requires competency and an awareness to act consistently. Good decisions are ethical, acquiring and maintaining trust, and demonstrating responsibility and fairness. And while decisions need to be effective as well, ethical decisions establish a foundation for making better decisions by setting ground rules for our behavior.

The Josephson Institute of Ethics considers 'The Six Pillars of Character' as values essential to ethical decision-making. These are good foundations for the ground rules of any ethical decision. These ground rules are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring,…