1. START HERE by asking yourself the question below:
An HFMA Leadership+ tool (hfma.org/leadership)
Tool: A Practical Ethical Decision-Making Model Based on Kantian Philosophy
Autonomy Section
Question Section
START HERE by asking yourself the question below:
Each person should consider the following three questions:
Yes
Proceed to decision making
Could I (we) obligate everyone else who is ever in a similar situation to do the same thing I am about to do (we are about to do)?
Am I acting from the basis of reason alone?
Can I rule out:
a.) political influence
b.) monetary influence
c.) pure self-interest
Individual Decision
Group Consensus
Decision
Would I (we) accept this decision if I (we) were on the receiving end?
(con’t.)
Defer decision to another manager or use group consensus decision making
Have I (we) faced a similar ethical issue before?
No, I am subjective

2. Ethical Consideration Triangle
Tool: A Practical Ethical Decision-Making Model Based on Kantian Philosophy (continued)
Ethical Consideration Triangle
Consider each point of the triangle with each group inside of the triangle
DUTY
Am I doing
the right thing?
Self
Company
Public
INTENTION
Am I proceeding with a morally good will?
DIGNITY
and RESPECT
Are dignity and
respect maintained?
Source: Bowen, S.A., “A Practical Model for Ethical Decision Making in Issues Management and Public Relations,” Journal of Public Relations Research, 2005, vol. 17, no. 3, pp Used with permission.