E. Ethical Decision Making

Ethical Principles and Decision-Making Process

Ethical Principles

1. Autonomy: The principle of independence, where individuals are allowed to make their own decisions and act on their values. This is important in vocational rehabilitation, ensuring clients can make sound choices, with appropriate guidance when needed.

2. Nonmaleficence: "Above all, do no harm." It involves avoiding actions that cause harm, either intentionally or by negligence, to clients or others.

3. Beneficence: The responsibility to do good and contribute to the welfare of the client. This includes preventing harm and proactively supporting clients.

4. Justice: Treating equals equally and unequals unequally but in proportion to their relevant differences. It’s not about treating everyone the same but offering fairness and a rationale when treatment differs.

5. Fidelity: Loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments. Vocational rehabilitation professionals must build trust by fulfilling their obligations and maintaining integrity.

6. Veracity: The obligation to be truthful and honest with clients and others. Clients must trust that the information provided by the vocational rehabilitation professional is truthful.

Ethical Decision-Making Process

1. Define the Problem: Gather all information objectively to understand the situation. Clarify if the issue is ethical, legal, professional, or clinical. Avoid rushing to conclusions, and consider the perspectives of all involved parties.

2. Identify Ethical/Legal Issues: Consider which principles (autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity) apply. Also, ensure you are aware of any legal obligations, such as client confidentiality and reporting requirements.

3. Consider Personal Biases: Recognize personal biases that may influence decision-making, including confirmation bias, overconfidence, and groupthink. Make sure to account for these when making a decision.

4. Consult the Code of Ethics: Refer to the applicable ethical standards to guide your decision. If the issue is addressed clearly, follow the recommended course of action.

5. Generate Possible Courses of Action: Brainstorm alternative actions. Where feasible, consult with colleagues, clients, or other professionals to widen your perspective.

6. Consider Consequences: Evaluate the potential consequences of each option. Consider the impacts on the client, others, and yourself. Eliminate options that could cause harm or negative consequences.

7. Evaluate the Course of Action: Apply the tests of justice, publicity, and universality to ensure your decision is fair, ethical, and can be publicly defended.

8. Implement the Course of Action: Take action, but be prepared for difficult outcomes. Follow up to see if your actions led to the desired results and make adjustments if needed.

9. Act with Commitment: Take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, and ensure follow-up is in place if needed.

10. Establish a Plan to Evaluate Results: Assess whether the course of action was successful and correct any negative consequences.

11. Evaluate Organizational Systems: Ensure the systems in place within your organization support ethical practices and correct any that may encourage unethical behavior.

Quiz

1. Which principle ensures that individuals are allowed to make their own decisions and act on their values? a) Nonmaleficence
   b) Justice
   c) Autonomy
   d) Fidelity

2. What is the key idea behind the principle of nonmaleficence? a) Doing good for others
   b) Treating equals equally
   c) Avoiding harm to others
   d) Being loyal and honoring commitments

3. Which principle focuses on doing good for the client and preventing harm? a) Veracity
   b) Beneficence
   c) Justice
   d) Autonomy

4. What does the principle of justice emphasize? a) Treating all individuals the same
   b) Treating equals equally and unequals unequally
   c) Being truthful in all communications
   d) Making sound and rational decisions

5. Which principle involves loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments? a) Veracity
   b) Fidelity
   c) Beneficence
   d) Nonmaleficence

6. Which step of the ethical decision-making process involves gathering all the facts and clarifying if the issue is ethical, legal, or professional? a) Identify Ethical/Legal Issues
   b) Define the Problem
   c) Implement the Course of Action
   d) Generate Possible Courses of Action

7. What is the test of universality in the ethical decision-making process? a) Can the action be recommended to another professional in a similar situation?
   b) Would you be comfortable with your actions being reported publicly?
   c) Can the action be justified by the client’s best interest?
   d) Would this action treat all clients fairly and equally?

8. What should you do after implementing the course of action in an ethical dilemma? a) Seek immediate approval from a superior
   b) Follow up to assess the consequences and make adjustments if necessary
   c) Avoid discussing the issue further to avoid controversy
   d) Take no further action if the outcome seems favorable

9. What is the main focus of the principle of veracity? a) Doing what is right for the client
   b) Being honest and truthful in all professional interactions
   c) Ensuring fairness and equality in decision-making
   d) Avoiding actions that might cause harm

10. What does the test of publicity ask during the evaluation of a course of action? a) Would this course of action be accepted by the general public?
    b) Can you recommend this course of action to another professional?
    c) Would you be comfortable having your decision publicly shared?
    d) Would this action treat clients equally and fairly?

Answer Key

1. c) Autonomy

2. c) Avoiding harm to others

3. b) Beneficence

4. b) Treating equals equally and unequals unequally

5. b) Fidelity

6. b) Define the Problem

7. a) Can the action be recommended to another professional in a similar situation?

8. b) Follow up to assess the consequences and make adjustments if necessary

9. b) Being honest and truthful in all professional interactions

10. c) Would you be comfortable having your decision publicly shared?