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Ethical decision making is a broad idea that is made up of hundreds of components. In a comprehensive definition, ethical decision making is the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. To do this, one needs to first consider all options before choosing what they believe is the best ethical alternative. Journalism is an art, but an art that comes with brutal consequences when it isn't transparent and honorable.
This process starts by beginning at the basics. Bob Steele published a list of ten things to do in order to make good ethical decisions.
1. What do I know? What do I need to know?
2. What is my journalistic purpose?
3. What are my ethical concerns?
4.What organizational policies and professional guidelines should I consider?
5. How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision making process.
6. Who are the stakeholders- those affected by my decision? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate?
7. What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders?
8. What are the possible consequences of my actions? Short term? Long term?
Journalist need to vigilantly consider each and every step they take. Noting every outcome that can come out of a story- whether it is good or bad and creating solutions for those outcomes. There are times when journalist will unfortunately have to chose between the lesser of the two evils.
Understanding and mastering the sensitivity of the public is something that comes with time. It also stems from your roots. Part of being a journalist is understanding your personal code of ethics. According to Business Dictionary, these are principles and values that govern interactions around individuals. In this field, in order to gain respect and trust they must be responsible, fair, honest, accurate, independent, accountable and able to minimize hard to the greater good.
Although this video represents young children attempting to resist sugar, in its entirety, it represents ethical decision making at its true core. We have always been faced with decisions that are difficult to make. We always have to think about who benefits, and who is harmed. Instant gratification is not always the best way to go. As journalist, we need to carefully consider every aspect of our choices in order to benefit the most amount of people and gain trust and respect from the public.
"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." -Samuel Johnson.
It may seem like it is a double edged sword, but like everything in life, balance is key. Understand what it is you believe in and honor that with integrity, transparency and accuracy.
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