Frontline Initiative Code of Ethics
The RIGHT Decision Method:
An approach for solving ethical dilemmas
What is an ethical dilemma?
An ethical dilemma requires a person to define right from wrong. But, as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), we know that this is not so simple. We face difficult decisions in our daily practice. There are often many different rules, principles, and opinions at play. We are called to respond in allegiance to the individuals we support. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics provides a roadmap to assist in resolving ethical dilemmas.
How do I resolve ethical dilemmas?
Ethical dilemmas can be resolved through effective decision-making. Since we are so often called upon to make independent judgments, it is important to incorporate the NADSP Code of Ethics within our daily practice. Many ethical dilemmas can be resolved easily with consultation and reflection. However, some issues cannot. Therefore, to help make it easier to solve difficult ethical dilemmas, consider a framework from which to work. The College of Direct Support has provided an approach to ethical decision-making with the NADSP Code of Ethics. This is called the RIGHT Decision Method.
RIGHT Decision Method
- Recognize the ethical dilemma.
- Identify points of view.
- Gather resources and assistance.
- Have a plan.
- Take action based on ethical standards.
What is the RIGHT Decision Method?
Sometimes there really is a “right” way to make decisions under difficult conditions. The RIGHT Decision Method gives us tools to make sound ethical decisions and resolve ethical dilemmas. RIGHT is an acronym that stands for each step of the decision-making process:
R: Recognize the ethical dilemma.
The first step is recognizing the conflicting obligations and clearly stating the dilemma. It is important to recognize and use the NADSP Code of Ethics as you begin with this step. You may consider —
- In what ways is the Code of Ethics applicable to this issue?
I: Identify points of view.
The second step is identifying points of view in the situation. This means considering the viewpoint of the person receiving services, your colleagues, other parties involved, and the NADSP Code of Ethics. Restating the problem clearly to someone else can also help you check out whether you have interpreted the situation accurately. It is important to understand how the person receiving supports feels. Consider —
- What does the person receiving support expect?
- Then think about others who are involved in the situation and how they feel.
- What do these individuals want or need?
G: Gather resources and assistance.
The third step is gathering resources and assistance that might help you figure out what to do. Now that you have an accurate understanding for the problem and various perspectives, this step encourages you to consider other people who may be able to assist you. You may also need to find important information. For example —
- Are there agency policies that could be considered? What do these documents say? Are there any laws or regulations in the state that may influence your decision-making?
- Is this a situation where legal advice is needed? Does the person have a legal representative who must be involved?
- Are there community resources that might help resolve the problem?
H: Have a plan.
The fourth step means that you are ready to make your decision. Formulating a plan will help you decide the best way to put your ideas into action. Once you have considered the following issues, write a plan down and identify step-by-step actions that you plan to take —
- Whom must you speak to first? What will you say? What preparations will you make?
- What steps can you take to ensure the best possible outcome for your decision?
- How might people react?
T: Take action based on ethical standards.
The fifth and final step is implementing the plan you developed in the manner you decided. Then, it is important to monitor its success using the success indicators you identified in the planning process to help you reflect on your decision —
- What worked well and why?
- What did not work well and why?
- What would you do differently after you have evaluated your outcomes?
- Taylor, M., Silver, J., Hewitt, A., & Nord, D. (2006). Applying ethics in everyday work (Lesson 3). In College of Direct Support course: Direct support professionalism (Revision 2). DirectCourse.
"Kama ilivyoelezwa katika kanuni ya ""Methodi ya Uamuzi wa Haki"" (Right Decision Method) ya Uamuzi wa Haki, kanuni ya ""Methodi ya Uamuzi wa Haki"" (Right Decision Method) ni njia ya kuamua matatizo ya kimaadili na ya kiadili." Tatizo la kiadili huhitaji mtu atambue yaliyo sawa na yaliyo makosa. Kama wataalamu wa msaada wa moja kwa moja, tunajua kuwa hii sio rahisi. Tunakabiliwa na maamuzi magumu katika mazoezi yetu ya kila siku. Mara nyingi kuna sheria, kanuni, na maoni mengi tofauti-tofauti. Tunaitwa tuwe washikamanifu kwa wale tunaowaunga mkono. Mkataba wa Maadili wa National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) hutoa ramani ya barabara kusaidia katika kutatua matatizo ya maadili. Ninawezaje kutatua matatizo ya kiadili? Matatizo ya kimaadili yanaweza kutatuliwa kupitia maamuzi yenye matokeo. Kwa kuwa mara nyingi tunaitwa kufanya maamuzi ya kujitegemea, ni muhimu kuingiza Kanuni ya Maadili ya NADSP katika mazoezi yetu ya kila siku. Matatizo mengi ya kiadili yanaweza kutatuliwa kwa urahisi kwa kushauriana na kutafakari. Hata hivyo, kuna mambo fulani ambayo hayawezi kufanywa. Kwa hiyo, ili iwe rahisi kutatua matatizo magumu ya kimaadili, fikiria mfumo wa kufanya kazi. Chuo cha Msaada wa Moja kwa Moja kimetoa mbinu ya kufanya maamuzi ya maadili na Kanuni ya Maadili ya NADSP. Hii inaitwa Njia ya Uamuzi Sahihi. Njia Sawa ya Kufanya Uamuzi - Kutambua tatizo la maadili. - Kutambua maoni. - Kukusanya rasilimali na msaada. - Kuwa na mpango. - Kuchukua hatua kulingana na viwango vya maadili. Njia Sawa ya Kufanya Uamuzi Ni Nini? Wakati mwingine kuna kweli ni "sahihi" njia ya kufanya maamuzi chini ya hali ngumu. Njia ya Uamuzi wa Haki inatupa zana za kufanya maamuzi sahihi ya maadili na kutatua matatizo ya maadili. "Right ni kifupi cha neno linalomaanisha ""kila hatua ya mchakato wa kufanya maamuzi"" (Right is an acronym for every step of the decision-making process) na lina maana ya ""Kutambua tatizo la kimaadili.""" Hatua ya kwanza ni kutambua wajibu unaopingana na kueleza waziwazi tatizo. Ni muhimu kutambua na kutumia kanuni za maadili za NADSP unapoanza hatua hii. Unaweza kufikiria <unk> - Ni kwa njia gani Kanuni ya Maadili inatumika kwa suala hili? I: Kutambua maoni. Hatua ya pili ni kutambua maoni katika hali hiyo. Hii inamaanisha kuzingatia maoni ya mtu anayepokea huduma, wenzako, pande nyingine zinazohusika, na Kanuni ya Maadili ya NADSP. Kueleza tatizo hilo kwa njia iliyo wazi kwa mtu mwingine kunaweza pia kukusaidia kujua ikiwa umeielewa vizuri hali hiyo. Ni muhimu kuelewa jinsi mtu anayepokea msaada anavyohisi. Fikiria <unk> - Mtu anayepokea msaada anatarajia nini? - Kisha fikiria wengine wanaohusika katika hali hiyo na jinsi wanavyohisi. - Watu hao wanataka au wanahitaji nini? G: Kukusanya rasilimali na msaada. Hatua ya tatu ni kukusanya rasilimali na msaada ambao unaweza kukusaidia kujua nini cha kufanya. Sasa kwa kuwa una ufahamu sahihi wa tatizo na maoni mbalimbali, hatua hii inakutia moyo kufikiria watu wengine ambao wanaweza kukusaidia. Huenda pia ukahitaji kupata habari muhimu. Kwa mfano <unk> - Je, kuna sera za shirika ambazo zinaweza kuzingatiwa? Hati hizo zinasema nini? Je, kuna sheria au kanuni katika jimbo ambayo inaweza kuathiri maamuzi yako? - Je, hii ni hali ambapo ushauri wa kisheria unahitajika? Je, mtu huyo ana mwakilishi wa kisheria ambaye lazima ahusishwe? - Je, kuna rasilimali za jumuiya ambazo zaweza kusaidia kutatua tatizo hilo? H: Kuwa na mpango. Hatua ya nne inamaanisha kuwa tayari kufanya uamuzi. Kufanya mpango kutakusaidia kuamua njia bora ya kutekeleza mawazo yako. Baada ya kuchunguza mambo yafuatayo, andika mpango na uone hatua kwa hatua unazopanga kuchukua. Utasema nini? Utafanya matayarisho gani? - Ni hatua zipi unaweza kuchukua ili kuhakikisha matokeo bora iwezekanavyo kwa uamuzi wako? - Watu wanaweza kuitikiaje? T: Kuchukua hatua kulingana na viwango vya maadili. Hatua ya tano na ya mwisho ni kutekeleza mpango uliotengenezwa kwa njia uliyoamua. Kisha, ni muhimu kufuatilia mafanikio yake kwa kutumia viashiria vya mafanikio ulivyoamua katika mchakato wa mipango kukusaidia kutafakari juu ya uamuzi wako - Ni nini kilichofanya vizuri na kwa nini? - Ni nini ambacho hakikufanya kazi vizuri na kwa nini? - Ungefanya nini kwa njia tofauti baada ya kutathmini matokeo yako? - Taylor, M., Silver, J., Hewitt, A., & Nord, D. (2006). Kufuata maadili katika kazi ya kila siku (Somo la 3) "Kama ilivyoelezwa katika ""Mafunzo ya Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi wa Usimamizi.""" Kozi ya moja kwa moja.