Ethical Decision Making
Throughout the course of this term, I was introduced to a plethora of new Information. Initially, we were taught that there are a series of different ethical lenses that can be used in decision making. There are four different Lenses, they are:
1. Rights Lens. In this Lens, the core point for decision making is “An action is ethical if I fulfill my duties and do the right thing as I claim my individual rights.” – (Ethical Lens Inventory.)
2. Relationship Lens. In this Lens, the core point for decision making is “An action is ethical if it supports a framework for continuous systemic ethical improvement for both the organization and the institutions supporting it.”- (Ethical Lens Inventory.)
3. Results Lens. In this Lens, the core decision making point is “An action is ethical if good ends – good results – come from the action.” – (Ethical Lens Inventory.)
4. Reputation Lens. In this Lens, the core decision making point is “An action is ethical if it is consistent with the habitual development of sound character traits including habits of thoughtful reflection, good intentions and noble human virtues.” – (Ethical Lens Inventory.)
After completing different ethical scenarios using the different lenses, my preferred lens is the right and responsibility lens. What is interesting about this is the fact that it was predicted that this was indeed my preferred lens after completing the Ethical Lens Inventory. Throughout my working career, I’ve found that there is difficultly balancing which Lens should be used in certain situations. On a personal level, I prefer for my individual rights to be kept intact, but I understand that there is usually not a one size fits all approach to all ethical problems. So in an effort to resolve problems effectively and efficiently I try to incorporate different aspects of all Lenses.
I believe that I can incorporate virtue of integrity, greatest good, justice and courage into my profession by looking at things from a broad perspective. This course has taught me several different methods of ethical decision making procedures. In the field that I currently work in (insurance), it seems that the ethical environment can have several tests. We are faced with decisions that may be good for customers but not necessarily great for employees and vice-versa. Sometimes decisions have to be made that may not be exponentially good for one group, but are great for another. Analyzing situations thoroughly and using these different methods will help ensure that an ethical decision is made.
I work in the auto claims department; we have to make decisions everyday on who is at fault for an accident etc. The ethical challenge that I face often at work is trying to found out who is at fault for a collision when it is disputed. In some cases, it is a clear that one of the parties is being untruthful because there will be two complete versions of the same auto loss. Many times, it is fairly obvious who is being truthful and who is being dishonest and other times it isn’t so obvious. Now we are faced with making a decision as to who we believe is responsible for the collision. As a company whose financial security is based on the amount of customers they have, it is difficult to overcome dissatisfied customers. However, we have to make decisions that protect their best interest even if they do not necessarily agree with them.
Now that I have completed and understand the Lenses introduced in this course, I can use them to help me make decisions, when the answers aren’t clearly obvious. Additionally, I can use the knowledge that I have gained to understand why certain decisions have been made. I find myself wondering all the time at work why decisions are made. Now that I have a better understanding, I can review the situation at hand and the decision made to analyze and observe which method was used to come up with this remedy.
At the end of my professional career, I would like to be known for good work ethic and a fair decision maker. If I am in a position that I make decisions for a large amount of people, I want to be known for making choices that are for the best good, full of integrity that has made the greatest impact. I would also like to be known for being courageous and taking a stand against situations and problems that may be controversial. There has been a lot of information given in this course that I will hopefully use throughout my career.

Sources:
http://www.ethicsgame.com/Exec/Eli/EthicalLensResults.aspx?R=1