What are the 5 steps you should take when confronted with an ethical dilemma?

At work, you’re bound to face an ethical dilemma at some point. Do you report one of your colleagues if they’ve done something wrong? Do you tell your boss the truth when you’ve overslept for the second time in a week? Read on to find out how to deal with tricky situations such as these.

Understanding ethical dilemmas

You may be faced with an ethical dilemma when something at work goes against your personal ethics, morals and values. This could be something that one of your colleagues or managers is doing, or something that you are doing yourself. Ethical dilemmas may force you to choose between being honest and dishonest, or between what you know is right and what you know is wrong.

How to deal with ethical dilemmas

Here are some common examples of ethical dilemmas, and how you could potentially deal with them:

Reporting a colleague for inappropriate behavior

Dilemma: You see one of your close colleagues speaking inappropriately to another member of staff. This has been going on for a while, and you’re sure that what you are seeing is sexual harassment. You know your colleague’s actions are wrong, but you don’t want to ruin the friendship you’ve developed with them over the past few years. Should you report them to human resources?

Solution: If you have a friendship with your colleague, then you should ideally raise the issue directly with them and tell them your concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, then find out whether your human resources department allows you to make anonymous complaints. This has the dual benefit of protecting your identity while also bringing the issue to the attention of management. You’re hopefully bringing an end to the emotional suffering that’s being endured by the person being harassed.

Lying to your manager

Dilemma: You have been procrastinating on a project and suddenly deadline day is upon you. Your manager asks you for the completed project, but you have nothing to show him. Will you admit that you just didn’t get around to it, or will you place the blame on someone else?

Solution: It’s best to be honest about why you didn’t complete your project. This applies to many situations where you have the choice between being honest and lying. More often than not, lies in the workplace have a way of revealing themselves over time. Take responsibility and face up to your mistake. If your boss is a reasonable person, then they may well offer the advice and support you need to complete the project. You should, however, learn from your mistake and prepare in advance next time – your boss won’t be as sympathetic if you miss another important deadline.

Disagreeing with a company decision

Dilemma: A new manager has been appointed to lead your department, and you find out that he is the boss’s nephew. You also discover that he doesn’t have the appropriate qualifications, and that he may not have been interviewed before he was hired. Do you question the decision or simply accept it?

Solution: Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this. Ultimately, the company’s management has the final say in making hiring decisions. Also, because the issue involves the person who pays your salary, you may fear losing your job if you say something about it. You could decide to submit an anonymous complaint with the hope of an investigation taking place. Alternatively, you may want to ask yourself: “Is a company that goes against my ethical and moral codes really one that I want to work for?” If you feel strongly about this, then you could consider looking for another job opportunity.

A final note…

When addressing something as complicated as an ethical dilemma, remember that you should consider things very carefully before taking any drastic action. Make sure that you’re aware of all sides of the story, and confide in people close to you for their advice and opinions.

Become an expert in office ethics with the Foundations of Ethics in the Workplace online course from Oxbridge Academy.

Annie Johnson Sirek, MSW is a Project Coordinator at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. She thanks Marianne and Julie of the Human Services Research Institute, and Amy and Derek of the University of Minnesota, for developing this method to use in daily practice and training.

What is an ethical dilemma? 

An ethical dilemma requires a person to define right from wrong. But, as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), we know that this is not so simple. We face difficult decisions in our daily practice. There are often many different rules, principles, and opinions at play. We are called to respond in allegiance to the individuals we support. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics provides a roadmap to assist in resolving ethical dilemmas.

How do I resolve ethical dilemmas? 

Ethical dilemmas can be resolved through effective decision-making. Since we are so often called upon to make independent judgments, it is important to incorporate the NADSP Code of Ethics within our daily practice. Many ethical dilemmas can be resolved easily with consultation and reflection. However, some issues cannot. Therefore, to help make it easier to solve difficult ethical dilemmas, consider a framework from which to work. The College of Direct Support has provided an approach to ethical decision-making with the NADSP Code of Ethics. This is called the RIGHT Decision Method. 

RIGHT Decision Method 

• Recognize the ethical dilemma.
• Identify points of view.
• Gather resources and assistance.
• Have a plan.
• Take action based on ethical standards.

What is the RIGHT Decision Method? 

Sometimes there really is a “right” way to make decisions under difficult conditions. The RIGHT Decision Method gives us tools to make sound ethical decisions and resolve ethical dilemmas. RIGHT is an acronym that stands for each step of the decision-making process:

R: Recognize the ethical dilemma. 

The first step is recognizing the conflicting obligations and clearly stating the dilemma. It is important to recognize and use the NADSP Code of Ethics as you begin with this step. You may consider —

• In what ways is the Code of Ethics applicable to this issue?


I: Identify points of view. 

The second step is identifying points of view in the situation. This means considering the viewpoint of the person receiving services, your colleagues, other parties involved, and the NADSP Code of Ethics. Restating the problem clearly to someone else can also help you check out whether you have interpreted the situation accurately. It is important to understand how the person receiving supports feels. Consider —

• What does the person receiving support expect?

• Then think about others who are involved in the situation and how they feel.

• What do these individuals want or need?


G: Gather resources and assistance. 

The third step is gathering resources and assistance that might help you figure out what to do. Now that you have an accurate understanding for the problem and various perspectives, this step encourages you to consider other people who may be able to assist you. You may also need to find important information. For example —

• Are there agency policies that could be considered? What do these documents say? Are there any laws or regulations in the state that may influence your decision-making?

• Is this a situation where legal advice is needed? Does the person have a legal representative who must be involved?

• Are there community resources that might help resolve the problem?


H: Have a plan. 

The fourth step means that you are ready to make your decision. Formulating a plan will help you decide the best way to put your ideas into action. Once you have considered the following issues, write a plan down and identify step-by-step actions that you plan to take —

• Whom must you speak to first? What will you say? What preparations will you make?

• What steps can you take to ensure the best possible outcome for your decision?

• How might people react?


T: Take action based on ethical standards.  

The fifth and final step is implementing the plan you developed in the manner you decided. Then, it is important to monitor its success using the success indicators you identified in the planning process to help you reflect on your decision —

• What worked well and why?

• What did not work well and why?

• What would you do differently after you have evaluated your outcomes?


• Taylor, M., Silver, J., Hewitt, A., & Nord, D. (2006). Applying ethics in everyday work (Lesson 3). In College of Direct Support course: Direct support professionalism (Revision 2). DirectCourse.

  What are the 5 steps in resolving ethical dilemma?

  RIGHT Decision Method.

  Recognize the ethical dilemma..

  Identify points of view..

  Gather resources and assistance..

  Have a plan..

  Take action based on ethical standards..

  What steps should be taken when faced with an ethical dilemma?

  How to Act and React to an Ethical Dilemma.

  Repeat Back and Clarify. ... .

  Ask Ethical Questions. ... .

  Focus on your Manager's Best Interests. ... .

  Suggest an Alternative Solution. ... .

  Escalate Situations. ... .

  Blow the whistle. ... .

  Leave Unethical Environments, If Necessary..

  What are the 5 ethical approaches?

  Philosophers have developed five different approaches to values to deal with moral issues..

  The Utilitarian Approach. ... .

  The Rights Approach. ... .

  The Fairness or Justice Approach. ... .

  The Common-Good Approach. ... .

  The Virtue Approach. ... .

  Ethical Problem Solving..

  What is the first step you should take when resolving an ethical dilemma?

  identify an ethical situation and the ethical issues involved in it. This is the first step. Further steps involved in solving an ethical dilemma: The main elements of the situation are identified and analyzed.