GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Ethical Decision MakingIntroduction Making ethical decisions is easy when issues are simple and right choices areclear. We make those decisions almost out-of-hand. However, solving toughethical problems requires much more skill.EthicaldilemmasDespite pressure to act unethically, you usually know in your heart what's right.Still, you may face situations where the right choice is unclear. For instance,you may be torn between loyalty to a friend and loyalty to our nation. This isan ethical dilemma, and it occurs when two or more deeply held values come inconflict.PersonalattributesWhen facing an ethical dilemma make the choice that seeks the highest moralgood. This requires such personal attributes as intelligence, education, andexperience. However, these attributes are grounded in the most critical attributeof all--character:The manager who lacks . . . character--no matter how likable, helpful, oramiable, no matter even how competent or brilliant--is a menace andshould be adjudged "unfit . . ."--Peter F. DruckerGuidelinesWhen facing an ethical dilemma, follow these guidelines:GuidelineDescriptionLaws, orders, and Formal standards defined in laws andregulationsregulations to guide behavior and decisions.Basic national values Our own and each countries’ traditions.Traditional Army values Military core values established as standards forall soldiers and Army civilians.Organizational values Often the same as Military core values but notalways. When actual practices conflict withcore values, unethical behavior usually results.Personal valuesSum of attitudes and beliefs forming yourcharacter and influencing your actions.Institutional pressures Internal and external policies, procedures, andofficial and unofficial pressures influencingbehavior.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 10-9