In a short essay, explain the five-step framework for making ethical decisions

What will be an ideal response?

The five-step framework for making ethical decisions proceeds as follows:
1. Identify the problem: The first step is to acknowledge the presence of an ethical problem. Ask questions such as: Is there something wrong? Is an ethical dilemma present? Is there a situation that might harm personnel, customers, the community, or the nation? In international business, recognizing the issue can be tricky because subtleties of the situation may be outside your knowledge or experience. Often, it is best to rely on one's own instincts-if some action feels wrong, it probably is.
2. Examine the facts: Determine the nature and dimensions of the situation. Have all the relevant persons and groups been consulted? What individuals or groups have a stake in the outcome? How much weight should be given to the interests of each? Do some parties have a greater stake because they are disadvantaged or have a special need? This stage is often challenging because determining specific details and distinguishing facts from irrelevant information can be tricky. The process often involves interviewing personnel and stakeholders who may offer differing versions or opinions on the issue at hand. The manager's task is to identify and validate the most useful, valid information that makes clear the true nature of the problem.
3. Create alternatives: Identify potential courses of action and evaluate each. Initially, consistent with the pyramid of ethical behavior, one should review any proposed action to ensure it is legal. If it violates host or home country laws, or conflicts with international treaties, it should be rejected. Next, any proposed action must be reviewed to ensure it is acceptable according to company policy, the firm's code of conduct, or its code of ethics. If discrepancies are found, the action should be rejected. Finally, each proposed action must be evaluated to assess its consistency with accepted ethical standards.
4. Implement course of action: The chosen plan must be put into action. This implies creating new rules, processes, or procedures, and putting these into effect. Implementation is critical because it determines the success or failure of the chosen action. Managers need to be particularly diligent at this stage, to ensure the action is carried out per plan.
5. Evaluate results: Once the decision is implemented, one will need to assess how effective it was. Results evaluation may require collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about the chosen course of action. The goal is to ensure the action achieves its intended effect, and find out if the firm should modify the approach or pursue a different one.