Innovation September-October 2013

Arriving at choices and decisions that pass the ethical test starts with an awareness and capacity to identify and address issues that have an ethical dimension or that raise ethical issues or concerns. As in scientific and other analysis-based disciplines, accurate identification and response are essential to sound and defensible problem solving and decision making. Various model approaches for identifying and framing ethical considerations and issues exist that involve different degrees of rigor and complexity depending on the nature and context of the issues or concerns. They can be useful, particularly in terms of establishing a consistent approach, but are best viewed as guides rather than formal direction since every situation has a distinct set of factors and circumstances that necessitate some flexibility and latitude to yield the best possible result. Sample Professional Decision Making Framework 1. Recognize : Recognize an issue or concern and the duty to act or become involved. 2. Define : Define the problem—including the principles, standards, and values involved—and identify fundamental objectives as well as potential conflicts and risks. 3. Review : Consider a range of possible alternatives and associated outcomes. 4. Analyse : Gather and evaluate information, with a view to forming an impartial, unbiased assessment and balanced decision;. 5. Decide : Reach a conclusion as to the proposed course of action, having given due consideration to the implications and consequences of that approach compared to others. 6. Test : Where possible, discuss or review decisions before implementation, having regard to confidentiality, individual rights, fairness and due process. 7. Act : Take decisive action, bearing in mind that a decision not to act is subject to the same standards of conduct as any action taken. 8. Record : Articulate and document the rationale for the decision and action. Each of the stages from initial recognition of an issue or problem, through analysis and response involve making assumptions, forming opinions and reaching conclusions that involve judgment as well as fact. In this, the best judgment is one that is informed and considered from a range of perspectives to increase insight, limit bias and reduce the risk that something is overlooked. It is rare, if ever, that a decision maker has perfect or complete information available in time with the decision making process; only hindsight is 20/20. As in all other exercises of judgment and discretion, members and licensees are expected and relied upon to act professionally and in accordance with the APEGBC Code of Ethics. Context Matters Decision outcomes are subject to the influence of a range of individual factors, both positive and negative, such as

an inclination toward short-cuts or non-compliant behaviour and a range of external, environmental factors and variables such as an organizational culture of risk taking or aggressive competition. Consequently, in order to create an environment where ethically, professionally and technically sound decision making is a valued norm, it is important that individuals and organization are conscious of and vigilant about taking steps to limit factors that negatively influence the decision making process and the quality of decisions. Studies have found that with proper guidance, individuals are better equipped to make decisions and to choose to behave in alignment with standards and expectations and to have confidence in their choices and their understanding of what they should be doing. These in turn strengthen confidence and resolve to “do the right thing” in the face of pressure to do something that they know is inappropriate, unethical or worse. For individuals to make ethical choices and decisions they must first be aware of the ethical dimensions of issues and situations they encounter. While some may be obvious, often ethical considerations arise in more nuanced “grey” areas rather than the clearly black and white. That said, they often trigger an instinctive alarm bell that signals something is not quite right, even though the exact reason may be unclear. In such situations it can be useful to go through a series of self-assessment tests, Is your project prepared for avalanche season?

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