Ethical Decision Making: 3-2-1 Reflection on Inclusive Model

This discussion post is a reflection on ethical decision-making, structured using the 3-2-1 method, based on the article "Leave No Stone Unturned: The Inclusive Model of Ethical Decision Making" by Donna McAuliffe & Lesley Chenoweth. The student identifies three key learnings: the inclusive model's components (accountability, critical reflection, cultural sensitivity, and consultation), the importance of gathering information, and the varying ethical decision-making approaches across professions. Two significant issues for future practice are highlighted: the need for critical reflection and identifying key stakeholders. The post also includes one question for further exploration regarding ethical dilemmas and cultural considerations. The student emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and critical reflection in ethical decision-making, aligning with the principles of the inclusive model. References to supporting literature are also included.

By reading the article “Leave No Stone Unturned: The Inclusive Model of Ethical
Decision Making” by Donna McAuliffe & Lesley Chenoweth, I gained a refreshed
view of ethical decision making. A complete ethical decision making process has
many stages. These stages are accountability, Critical Reflection, Cultural Sensitivity
and Consultation (McAuliffe & Chenoweth, 2008). In ethical decision making the
decision maker needs to consider a wide array of information before taking their
decision. The Accountability pertains to this information gathering process where the
complete picture of what happened in a situation is collected and analysed. The
article also gave me a clear idea about how to approach ethical decision making
(Craft, 2013). After gathering information, all the alternative ethical options needs to
be considered. It needs to be analysed whether the ethical problems related to the
situation becomes ethical dilemma. If two competing ethical problems are faced with
each other, they become ethical dilemma and the decision making becomes much
more difficult. The process of critical reflection can solve this problem. By looking at
the problem critically, referring to previous cases and reflecting on both the problems
and considering that which of the possible decisions is likely to impact lesser would
lead to ethical decision making (Wiener et al. 2013). The idea of ethical decision
making is about thinking of the larger good. The article also informs that the different
ethical dilemmas that different professionals might face and the strategy to approach
that is a limitation to the decision making model proposed by the authors.
It is necessary that cultural inclusions are practiced in ethical decision making.
Different culture have different ethical standards and moral compass. Thus taking
that into account ensures better decision making capability. For example, people
belonging to aboriginal community have different morality when it comes to nature
and land use (Crossan, Mazutis & Seijts, 2013). They consider it to be sacred. Thus
while working with them, any professional should consider their cultural view before
taking any decision.
In reading ‘Leave no stone unturned’ Inclusive Model (McAuliffe & Chenoweth, 2008)
I gained a refreshed understanding of ethical decision making that must be both
reasoning; provide accountability and legal liability for risk, but also involve reflective
practice, which acknowledges relationships and the emotional process.
I gained a new understanding of the differences between different health
professions, and the lack of critical reflection in ethical decision making, which can
ultimately lead to a lack of cultural acknowledgment. Some health professional can
tend to focus more on duty and consequences rather than critical evaluation.
An Inclusive model and risk management requires consistency – Decisions that will
hold under scrutiny but also have the inclusion of Banks (2004) model of;
accountability, consultation, critical reflection and cultural sensitivity. I found this a
helpful tool in understanding 5 things to consider and reflect upon.

2 issues that stood out for you as points of significance for future practice
Gathering information and Identifying the right people to be involved in decision
making, fully considering all approaches.
Making time for critical reflection, will allow space for acknowledgement of impact on
the decision-making process on self but also allow space for accountability, integrity
and improved competency in practice.

References
Craft, J. L. (2013). A review of the empirical ethical decision-making literature: 2004–
2011. Journal of business ethics, 117(2), 221-259.
Crossan, M., Mazutis, D., & Seijts, G. (2013). In search of virtue: The role of virtues,
values and character strengths in ethical decision making. Journal of
Business Ethics, 113(4), 567-581.
McAuliffe, D. & Chenoweth, L. (2008) Leave No Stone Unturned: The Inclusive
Model of Ethical Decision Making, ETHICS AND SOCIAL WELFARE, 2:1, 38-
49, DOI: 10.1080/17496530801948739
Wiener, L., McConnell, D. G., Latella, L., & Ludi, E. (2013). Cultural and religious
considerations in pediatric palliative care. Palliative & supportive care, 11(1),
47-67.