As Spoor (2007) points out, it can be fruitful to examine alternative ethical and moral codes. Am I taking a consequentialist approach (the ends justify the means)?

Banks (2008) delineates the ways law enforcement officers often use a consequentialist approach in their practice, which does allow for a broad interpretation of roles, duties, and goals. It is important, however, to keep in mind that consequentialism is not the only measure of morality.

Are my intentions and my actions different? What does my decision say about my character?

Aristotle was the first recorded European to discuss the notion of virtue ethics -- that the primary ethical inquiry is one related to the creation of strong moral fiber ("A Framework for Thinking Ethically," 1998). Therefore, it is important to think about how my actions reflect on my character as I seek to be a leader in my field.

Other Questions:

Will my actions lead to the oppression of a minority, in favor of pleasing or helping the majority?

Are my actions potentially leading to a slippery slope? If I accept a free coffee, will I also accept a bribe?

References

"A Framework for Thinking Ethically," (1988). ETHICS 1, no. 2 (Winter 1988).

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

American Medical Association (2013). Ethical responsibility...

Retrieved online: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/opinion8121.page
Argandona, an. (1998). The stakeholder theory and the common good. Journal of Business Ethics 17.

Banks, C. (2008). Criminal Justice Ethics. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Chabon, S.S. & Morris, J.F. (2004). A consensus model for making ethical decisions in a less-than-idea world. TheASHA Leader. Feb 17, 2004. Retrieved online: http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2004/040217/040217e/

Josephon Institute (2013). Making ethical decisions: The six pillars of character. Retrieved online: http://josephsoninstitute.org/MED/MED-2sixpillars.html

Lillehammer, H. (2006). Companions in guilt: Arguments for ethical objectivity. Retrieved online: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:nq96qcO0uLMJ:www.phil.cam.ac.uk/teaching_staff/lillehammer/companions_in_guilt_sample.pdf+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj5L31EEvFtBOYUyIze_7OA0ITBVMDswm0UxI91hwVNJTZCYXtrDT-yr5NCUgdW1h5f5gfXTvqP7Patxl0ZAcR1Gx7R3_C2HBm48MpGJkJGHn_hjB50VQVrBad83cC7XwK8edaa&sig=AHIEtbSoBIKVlqPuJ_HvyjwKSAplGj9tig

Spoor, J. (2007). Cross cultural ethics. Retrieved online: http://tkpro.com/Philosophical/cross_cultural_ethics.htm

Williams, C.R. (2008). Ethics, Crime, and Criminal Justice. Upper Saddle River, 2012.