Title: Moral Agency - Physiopedia
Headings: Moral Agency
Moral Agency
What are Morals
What is Moral Agency
What are Moral Agents
Physiotherapist as Moral Agents
Moral Agency in Action
References

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What is Moral Agency
Moral agency is the ability to make ethical decisions based on what is right or wrong. This capacity can be found in individuals or collective entities like businesses or health care institutions. According to Christen et al., moral agency encompasses three major concepts: the moral competency of the person or organisation in question
the normative framework on which ethical behaviour is based, and
the situational constraints that influence decision-making. Moral competence refers to the capacity of an individual to "make decisions and judgments, which are moral based on internal principles and to act according to them." Moral competencies include reasoning, recognition, response, discernment, accountability, character, motivation, and leadership. With the appropriate normative framework and a supportive situational environment, moral competency gives rise to sound moral judgements. In contrast to this, moral distress is said to occur when an individual makes a moral judgement, but is unable to act upon it. Moral distress can result in emotional distress, frustration and anger.