Definition of the problem. The definition of a problem determines why the decision is called for and identifies the wanted result(s). Problem definition is vital since it guides the problem solver to comprehend the decision and know where to find a solution. First, it is critical to denote the difference between a practical solution from an ideal solution when solving a problem. Defining the problem in terms of possible outcomes clearly illustrates the problem. In the provided example, the building people complain about having to wait for the elevator, especially during rush hour. Therefore, the issue is looked at as people having to wait for the elevator. The solution's focus is to make the tenants remain less frustrated by piping music into the lobby. The solution was one among many that could have been employed by the building management; how one defines a problem determines how and where to look for answers, making it critical to define the problem clearly.
Seeking out relevant assistance, guidance, and support . After carefully evaluating and defining a problem, the next step is to search for resources to decide. The resources can include mentors, collaborators, loved ones, friends, or professional assistance while observing guidelines and organizational policies and codes. Such assets are vital to determine the limitations, producing arrangements, elucidating needs, and providing support when executing the solution and dealing with the solution's consequences.
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Identifying available alternative solutions to the problem . Here, an individual is required to use their wildest imagination possible to formulate as solutions many as possible. Five solutions are ideal, with a bare minimum of three solutions. The provided solutions warrant the success of the most optimum solution provided. Furthermore, going with the obvious choices or solutions that have worked in the past is discouraged.
Evaluate the identified solutions . Evaluation of the solutions looks at the pros and cons of each solution if applied. Finding an ideal solution is very unlikely as one solution cannot solve all the problems. Therefore, it is paramount to pick a solution that outweighs the other possible solutions. The solution should look at the consequences and impacts that fit with the guidelines and standards. Seeking viability is key to this step.
Making the decision . When working as an individual, making the decision is the logical step after picking the most viable solution. However, if the decision is arrived at in an organizational setting, this step will involve drafting a proposal outlining the above steps and explaining why the proposed solution is the best.
Implementation of the decision . This step involves executing the solution into action. It is a step that acknowledges that doing something is different from a developed solution as a decision only counts when implemented (Ethics and Compliance Initiative, 2019) .
Evaluation of the decision . Seeks to look if the solution has solved the premeditated problem. The final step looks to evaluate if the problem was fixed. It answers the following questions, what problems were created by the new solution? Is the outcome better or worse? Did the problem go away?
Applying the Seven Steps to My Dilemma
An Ethical dilemma is a problem that affect the decision-making process between two options which are acceptable from an ethical perspective (Corporate Finance Institute, 2020). The Ethical dilemma looks at the modern-day organization's workers who use company time to conduct personal businesses. Employees tend to spend most of their time at work during weekdays and fall victim to using company time to conduct their personal affairs. Some go the extra mile of using company resources to carry out their undertakings. The individual decisions can include setting appointments on the company telephone, taking extended lunch breaks or early lunches, using company internet and computer to conduct personal affairs. The ethical predicament is quite blurry since an employee might try to justify their actions claiming the urgency of the matter at hand but still borders on an employee using company time and resources to conduct personal affairs.
Definition of the problem – the problem is using company time and resources to conduct personal affairs. The problem might be brought on by a lack of motivation or lack of job satisfaction, causing the employees to be distracted from performing their primary duties.
Seeking out relevant assistance, guidance, and support – taking up the issue with HR is important to take on more responsibility or suggest factors that could improve focus, motivation, and alleviate job satisfaction.
Available alternatives to the problem - quitting the job is one option, but the other problem is the income source. The other solution might be a departmental shift. Or shifting of one branch to another if the company has multiple branches. The other solution can be cultivating the discipline to work on company matters during company hours.
Evaluation of the developed solutions – evaluation of the above solutions is critical to weigh each solution's pros and cons. For instance, quitting the job means there is no income source; the departmental shift might draw the employer's attention or risk getting fired due to lack of focus. Cultivating discipline might be the most optimum solution to keeping the job while being motivated to perform the duties.
Making the decision – is sticking to the optimum solution since that is worth settling for since there is job satisfaction and also one gets to carry out personal matters during personal times.
Implementation of the decision – can involve developing a mechanism or a timetable that will always guide and pullback once the temptation of deviation comes along.
Evaluation of the decision – Implementing the solution should increase job productivity, motivation and complete the company tasks faster and better since the distractions are lessened.
Evaluation of How the Model Could Have Mitigated the Ethical Dilemma at Your Chosen Organization
The dilemma of carrying out personal tasks during company hours has a blurry line that can be crossed time and time again while overlooking the consequences or impact on the job. The designed model helps employees stay focused during their daily activities to separate work life from personal life during working hours ( Colnerud, 2014 ). The seven steps help the employees change their behavior and make the best decisions to keep their jobs while ensuring the organization achieves its objectives. Moreover, by cultivating the discipline, the employees have a lower risk of losing their jobs or make unethical decisions.
References
Colnerud, G. (2014). Ethical dilemmas in research in relation to ethical review: An empirical study. Research Ethics , 10 (4), 238-253.
Corporate Finance Institute. (2020, May 28). Ethical Dilemma . Corporate Finance Institute; Corporate Finance Institute. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/ethical-dilemma/
Ethics and Compliance Initiative. (2019). The PLUS Ethical Decision-Making Model.
