Decision-making models for handling ethical dilemmas Available to Purchase

A review of the literature on ethics in engineering shows that it is rich with descriptions of codes of ethics, rules, and regulations to govern and guide the actions of engineers. It also contains a few ethical decision-making models. This paper compares several of these models and analyses the step-by-step procedures laid out in them. This study finds that three critical steps in the handling of ethical dilemmas are: (a) assessing potential consequences and effects of actions, (b) determining the problem and ethical issues, and (c) reviewing legal requirements and code of ethics. The three key factors influencing ethical decisions are legal requirements, duty and obligation towards own organisation, and professional code of conduct. It is also found that the three key stakeholders affecting decision-making are the own self, the public, and the employer.