PRF2601
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2025
,HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH HOW EFFECTIVE THEY TURN
OUT TO BE: A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3
2. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS ................................................................................ 3
2.1 Ethics ................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Ethical Dilemma ................................................................................................ 3
2.3 Discretion .......................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Ethical Reasoning ............................................................................................. 4
3. THE CHALLENGES OF DECISION-MAKING ........................................................ 4
4. THE PROCESS OF ETHICAL REASONING.......................................................... 5
5. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................... 6
6. FIVE STEPS OF ETHICAL REASONING FRAMEWORK ...................................... 7
Step 1: Clarify the Ethical Dilemma ......................................................................... 7
Step 2: Evaluate Possible Solutions ........................................................................ 7
Step 3: Decide on the Best Course of Action .......................................................... 8
Step 4: Implement the Decision ............................................................................... 8
Step 5: Monitor and Modify ..................................................................................... 8
7. CONCLUSION........................................................................................................ 8
8. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 9
, INTRODUCTION
Ethical decision-making is a foundational aspect of professional conduct in any
environment where moral choices intersect with legal or institutional mandates. In
fields such as law enforcement, health services, business, and education, the
manner in which decisions are made can profoundly affect not only immediate
stakeholders but also the broader community (Banks, 2013). Effective decision-
making requires balancing personal values, professional codes, and societal
expectations. Moreover, making morally sound choices demands an understanding
of the principles, processes, and theoretical frameworks that guide ethical behavior
(Pollock, 2015). In many instances, individuals must apply discretion, especially
when situations are complex or urgent, to arrive at outcomes that protect the integrity
of all involved (Josephson, 1999). This assignment delves into the conceptual
definitions underpinning ethics, the challenges inherent in decision-making, the
process of ethical reasoning, key ethical principles, and a practical five-step
framework for sound ethical decision-making.
2. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS
2.1 Ethics
Ethics refers to a set of moral standards and principles that govern a person’s
behavior or the conducting of an activity (Pollock, 2015). Within an organizational
context, ethics guides individuals to discern right from wrong by relying on
established norms, values, and codes of conduct.
2.2 Ethical Dilemma
An ethical dilemma is a complex situation that typically involves a mental conflict
between moral imperatives, where adhering to one principle might lead to
transgressing another (Albanese, 2008). In such cases, no solution is entirely free
from negative consequences, thus requiring careful moral judgment.
2.3 Discretion
Discretion is the legal and moral latitude granted to individuals—especially
professionals such as law enforcement officers—to make decisions in situations
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2025
,HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH HOW EFFECTIVE THEY TURN
OUT TO BE: A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3
2. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS ................................................................................ 3
2.1 Ethics ................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Ethical Dilemma ................................................................................................ 3
2.3 Discretion .......................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Ethical Reasoning ............................................................................................. 4
3. THE CHALLENGES OF DECISION-MAKING ........................................................ 4
4. THE PROCESS OF ETHICAL REASONING.......................................................... 5
5. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................... 6
6. FIVE STEPS OF ETHICAL REASONING FRAMEWORK ...................................... 7
Step 1: Clarify the Ethical Dilemma ......................................................................... 7
Step 2: Evaluate Possible Solutions ........................................................................ 7
Step 3: Decide on the Best Course of Action .......................................................... 8
Step 4: Implement the Decision ............................................................................... 8
Step 5: Monitor and Modify ..................................................................................... 8
7. CONCLUSION........................................................................................................ 8
8. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 9
, INTRODUCTION
Ethical decision-making is a foundational aspect of professional conduct in any
environment where moral choices intersect with legal or institutional mandates. In
fields such as law enforcement, health services, business, and education, the
manner in which decisions are made can profoundly affect not only immediate
stakeholders but also the broader community (Banks, 2013). Effective decision-
making requires balancing personal values, professional codes, and societal
expectations. Moreover, making morally sound choices demands an understanding
of the principles, processes, and theoretical frameworks that guide ethical behavior
(Pollock, 2015). In many instances, individuals must apply discretion, especially
when situations are complex or urgent, to arrive at outcomes that protect the integrity
of all involved (Josephson, 1999). This assignment delves into the conceptual
definitions underpinning ethics, the challenges inherent in decision-making, the
process of ethical reasoning, key ethical principles, and a practical five-step
framework for sound ethical decision-making.
2. DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS
2.1 Ethics
Ethics refers to a set of moral standards and principles that govern a person’s
behavior or the conducting of an activity (Pollock, 2015). Within an organizational
context, ethics guides individuals to discern right from wrong by relying on
established norms, values, and codes of conduct.
2.2 Ethical Dilemma
An ethical dilemma is a complex situation that typically involves a mental conflict
between moral imperatives, where adhering to one principle might lead to
transgressing another (Albanese, 2008). In such cases, no solution is entirely free
from negative consequences, thus requiring careful moral judgment.
2.3 Discretion
Discretion is the legal and moral latitude granted to individuals—especially
professionals such as law enforcement officers—to make decisions in situations
