Consulting Team is concerned with the problem of low ECT participation and the ethical issues it presents. Apply the 7-step ethical decision-making framework to the following ethical dilemmas:

Providing additional incentives (e.g. financial incentives like a $10 gift card) to encourage students to participate in the Excel Certification Test (ECT).

For the ethical dilemma you are writing up, apply the 7-step ethics decision-making framework (week 3) to formulate a position on the ethical issue selected. You should follow all 7 steps in the ethical decision-making framework. Your position on the ethical issue is step 7 in the framework; the other steps enable you to provide evidence for that focus. The FixIt! Consulting Team Leader wants you to be explicit about the rigorous FixIt! Process, therefore, explicitly refers to each step in the ethical decision-making framework (e.g. put 'Step 2' to refer to the information you are drawing from Step 2 about 'assumptions and world views').

7 step framework (key stakeholders consulting team, and students participating in ECT)

Step 1: Assessing the situation

In the first step we assess the situation. You have used your moral imagination to identify an ethical dilemma. Now take time to define the problem.

Why does it have moral content?

What are the facts?

Who are the stakeholders (including employees and customers)? What might their perspectives be? Think through some alternatives to the perspective that you prefer.

What might be some lasting effects on key stakeholders?

You need to conduct some initial analyses to find out what is really going on. Don't jump to conclusions/solutions at this stage.

Step 2: Assumptions and worldviews

In the second step we reflect carefully on any assumptions, worldviews or biases that we might Taking for granted in this case. This type of reflection is best done with others.

What are the assumptions that relate to this situation? Do they need to be considered and challenged?

Are there any biases in the way we are thinking about this issue?

Step 3: Principles, duties and care needs (deontological)

The third step brings us to the relevant principles, duties and relationships?

Imagine yourself in a personal relationship with your stakeholders, especially those with less power. How can we be receptive and responsive to their needs?

What are the rights of our key stakeholders?

How do we take into account their essential humanity and ensure they are not simply used as means to an end?

What, then, are our duties towards these stakeholders?

Are any duties in conflict?

How do we ensure truthfulness and integrity?

How do we ensure fair processes and outcomes? How are justice needs addressed?

Step 4: Process, Outcomes and Consequences (utilitarian/consequentialist)?

In step 4, we move to some possible options and their consequences.

What are our possible options?

What are the consequences of these actions on key stakeholders?

What would happen if this decision was made universal?

How is the common good served?

Step 5: Character factors (virtue arguments)

Now think about the overarching aim of human flourishing. What are the virtues that might apply to this situation? How does the decision relate to the kind of person I want to be? The kind of organisation we want to be?

Step 6: Comprehensive assessment

It's now time to weigh up all of the considerations you have just been working through. any factors warrant greater priority? Why? What is the fitting (best) position for this specific situation? Why?

Step 7: Justify your decision

When you develop habits of ethical thinking, you become better able to justify your decision.

Is the decision feasible?

Can you explain your decision?

How might I respond to those who might be promoting a less-ethical pathway? (How to counter their reasons and rationalisations?)