ETHICAL DECISION MAKING: HOW GOOD PEOPLE MAKE TOUGH CHOICES Presented By: Phadra L. Williams Tuitt Organizational Specialist National Education Association NEA Student Program Leadership Conference Orlando, Florida November 6, 2010

CORE ETHICAL VALUES Personal obedience to the unenforceable (Kidder, 2005) Principles that are worthy of esteem for its own sake, with intrinsic worth (Kidder, 2005)

ICEBREAKER Determine what you consider your five (5) core ethical values. Rank them from least willing to compromise to most willing to compromise.

WHAT IS AN ETHICAL DILEMMA? The clashing of core values that makes it hard for people to make tough choices. (Kidder, p. 113)

What is the ethical dilemma? SHOULD WE BE WILLING TO OBLIGE A PATIENT, RELATIVE, OR FRIEND WHO IS REQUESTING DEATH DUE TO UNBEARABLE PAIN AND SUFFERING?

Euthanasia/Mercy Killing Euthanasia -The intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. Mercy killing –the intentional ending of the life of a person suffering from an incurable or painful disease by his/her request

Ethical Dilemma vs. Moral Temptation Dilemma paradigms help us classify our dilemmas into four sets. If none of the paradigms fits, it may be an example of moral temptation. (Kidder, 1995 p. 118) As you begin to look at them, the paradigms do not necessary fit in stand alone boxes. They allow you to look deeper into the dilemmas.

Ethical Dilemma Litmus Test “It is not about the descriptive elements of the experience, but rather the core values that drive the decision-making”. (Kidder, 1995 p. 114)

Paradigm #1 Justice vs. Mercy “Conflict between fairness, equity and even-handed application of the law vs. compassion, empathy and love”. (Kidder, 1995 p. 113)

Right vs. Right issues Justice Violates doctors’ hippocratic oath Killing is against the law US Court of Appeals ruled it unconstitutional (Washington State) American Medical Association position statement that advocates preserving human life at all costs

Mercy Inhumane to allow someone to die a slow and ugly death Patient should be able to escape misery and maintain dignity Value of liberty-individuals can do as they want Need to give loved ones, patients what they want Compassion- suffering means more than pain. There may be physical and psychological burdens.

Paradigm #2 Short term vs. Long Term The act of ending the pain is a short term fix Gives the patient what he or she wants based on the current circumstances Health care costs alleviated Allows families to say final goodbyes and ends anguish. (Kidder, 1995)

LONG-TERM Dismisses the opportunity of complete recovery Gives healthcare providers time to work on patients that are savable Vital organs saved may allow others to be saved

Paradigm #3 Individual vs. Community The right of a patient to choose to die vs. Possibility of potential abuse of power Demeaning the value of human life

Paradigm #4 Truth vs. Loyalty Not killing as an integrity principle Vs. Loyalty and commitment to the needs of a patient or a loved one

USE KIDDER’S SEVEN CHECKPOINTS Assess the situation Scan for values Stand for conscience Contemplate the dangers Endure the hardship Avoid the pitfalls Develop moral courage (Kidder, 2005 p.17)

Resolving the dilemma “Not every ethical dilemma has a right solution. Reasonable people often disagree: otherwise there would be no dilemma.” (McCoy, p. 66) Although I can apply the resolution principles, I can also argue that there may be no right solution in this case.

Resolving the dilemma End-based thinking Care-based thinking Rules-based thinking (Kidder, 1995)

Care-based Thinking I would argue that the loved one or patient’s request would give you the justification to apply this principle Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Put yourself in my shoes and give me what I want

Rule-based Thinking Looking at this from the perspective of the highest rule, the argument can be made that killing under any circumstances is not the right thing to do. What rule do we want universally invoked

Moral Courage Making either of the decisions requires you to exercise the courage to be moral. Facing the mental challenges (Kidder) that could wreck your reputation, and emotional wellbeing, adherence to conscious, self esteem.

Resolving the dilemma “People who are in touch with their own core beliefs and the beliefs of others can be more comfortable living on the cutting edge. At times, taking a tough line or a decisive stand in the middle of ambiguity is the only ethical thing to do.” (McCoy, p. 67) Although there may not be a right solution, there is an obligation to take a stand. McCoy argues that it is the only ethical thing to do

Bending the rules Look for ways to bend the rules without breaking them (Badarraco, 2002 p. 112) Full group activity (Officer and man in burning car)

Quiet leaders resolving ethical dilemmas Clarity, risks and consequences is essential but not enough (Badaracco, 2002 p. 91) Remember your responsibilities (Badaracco, 2002 p. 102) Don’t go it alone (Badaracco, 2002 p. 106) Don’t be afraid to back off (Badaracco, 2002 p. 107)

Ethical Living Being ethical in everyday life will help you make the right decision When there are two right decisions, use the paradigms to classify the problem in front of you. Practicing ethical living on a daily basis will improve your mental fitness and decision-making skills.

Conclusion “Ethical fitness will help you be a better leader when tough choices need to be made”