Decision
Making Diary Assignment (max 5 pages – you choose formatting details – do not
count any cover page) (upload to BB under Course Content section in the
Diary directory)
This is a self-reflection assignment that is focused on one’s own
decision-making process. Students are to look at 5 everyday decisions (with an
ethical component) they encounter and what thinking went into the
decision. The decisions don’t have to be big one – they could be as simple as
— do I chat with this person who seems to be socially awkward, or if you put
money in the Salvation Army Pot, or buy a ticket to support a cause.
For example, I was meeting with a student in
the cafeteria to go over a case study she was writing. I arrived at one of the
round tables and sat down; the student followed about 2 minutes later As she approached, the dilemma
entered my mind as to where she should sit: across from me (3 seats away) was
too far for discussion, two seats on either side were still a fair distance for
discussion, next to me would be great for discussion but made me feel
uncomfortable (and possibly would be for her also), might send the wrong
message to others viewing us. If the student had been a male, any seat would
have been fine. The decision was gender-based. When she arrived at the table, I
looked and gestured for her to take the seat two away, and she sat
there. I discussed this with her, and she went through a similar process
as to where she was going to sit. The decision didn’t benefit me personally,
but it did alleviate any discomfort or misconception pertaining to the purpose
of our meeting (professional only). I used a principled decision-making
approach, which followed the harm reduction model (minimize harm).
Mark-wise, we will be focusing on 1) that you realize the dilemma
faced in making the decision, 2) the facts and evaluation of the facts that
lead to your decision, 3) your final decision and outcome I don’t care
(mark-wise) if you made the “politically correct decision” (many times we
don’t) only that you are aware of the complexity of the decision faced,
4) Where applicable, state if the decision benefited you primarily or others
(including yourself), 5) Explain what ethical theory you used/hold which
was primarily involved in your decision (i.e., Utilitaranism, principle-based,
virtue ethics etc.).
Note: Don’t spend time justifying your decision – this exercise is
self-reflective; no justification is required, but do document your thinking in
weighing your options (Don’t justify/defend your decision).
As well, your answer should not be if/ than decisions that result
in a “sometimes this sometimes that” answer, it should be a specific
decision like if you choose to pull over for someone stuck on the side of the
road or not.
