One goal of the ASAE Ethics Committee is to foster ethical thinking and behavior in the association community, which includes ASAE members and their organizations, consultants, and industry partners. This ethical decision-making model is intended to advance that goal by providing a tool that can assist in the process of making sound ethical decisions. The model consists of several parts, which are intended to be used together, include a written description of the model; a list of sources consulted in developing the model; glossary of terms; and a visual flowchart.
When faced with a situation that requires sound ethical decision making, this model provides a step-by-step process to help decision makers determine an appropriate course of action that is fair, respects and upholds public laws, emphasizes honesty, respects confidentiality, fosters an ethical culture, and encourages responsibility for one’s own conduct. When using this decision-making model, consideration of the sources referenced and a review of ASAE Standards of Conduct when working through ethical issues is encouraged. ASAE’s membership of association professionals, consultants, and industry partners are committed to ethical standards that promote the goal of transforming society for the better. The Standards of Conduct embody aspirational ethical standards, describing the conduct that individuals strive to uphold as ASAE members. Although adherence to the aspirational ethical standards is not easily measured, conducting themselves in accordance with these ethical standards is an expectation that members have of themselves as professionals. Among the aspirational ethical concepts which these Standards of Conduct embrace are those of respect, responsibility, fairness, and honesty.
The following general steps outlined in detail in the ethical decision-making model could be utilized when evaluating whether the organization has an ethical issue and ways to effectively evaluate options for addressing it.
1. Gather the facts – who, what, when, where, why – and assess their credibility or validity.
2. Determine and define the problem or concern to be addressed.
3. Identify existing codes or standards that may be relevant to the situation, and apply any appropriate codes or standards.
4. Brainstorm options
5. Evaluate options.
6. Choose an option, from those available. If none are acceptable, return to step 4.
7. Implement the choice relative to the specific situation.
8. Monitor the outcome; identify what lesson(s) have been learned for the future. Also consider what, if anything, could be done differently the next time a similar situation arises.
9. Document as appropriate in the association record keeping structure for future reference.
As a member of the ASAE Ethics Committee, I am excited about the prospect this model has for my own association. If your association has occasion to use the ethical decision-making model, be sure to share your experience with the ASAE Ethics Committee. Feel free to send your comments or insights to me at velliott@ahredchair.com.
