Ethical Decision-Making
On this page, you will find several resources related to ethical decision-making. Please note that links to external sites are for reference and education only and are not endorsements of those sites.
The COVER Model
The COVER model for ethical decision-making was developed to help identify and analyze decisions with ethical components. Designed by Professor Eric Yordy and former NAU lecturer Jennie Mitchell, the COVER model incorporates key aspects of managerial decision-making with several different philosophical approaches to decision-making to give the leader a broad sense of the ethical implications of the decision.
Examples of Specific Organization Decision-Making Models
- Define the problem
- Seek out assistance from needed sources
- Identify alternatives
- Evaluate alternatives
- Make the decision
- Implement the decision
- Evaluate
- Define the ethical problem.
- Employ applicable laws or regulations.
- Reflect on the ethical values and their ramifications.
- Consider other applicable moral principles.
- Identify alternatives and consequences of each.
- Lead to implementing the best ethical solution.
CAN we do it? Does the law permit it?
SHOULD we do it? Is it ethical and consistent with our
K Values, our Code, and company?
HOW would we do it? Will it enhance our culture
and reputation and benefit our
stakeholders?
Kellogg Company decision-making model (page 9 of the pdf)