Ethical & Systematic Decision Making

One Tree believes ethical and systematic decision making is an essential process for organisational effectiveness, quality services and stakeholder confidence. Decision making is almost universally defined as choosing between alternatives and is closely related to all management functions. Decision making transcends the individual and has an effect on the organisation as a whole.

To be ethical, decision making must be:

1. Transparent: Am I happy to make my decision public – especially to those affected by it?

2. Consequences: Have I fully considered the harmful effects of my decision and how to avoid them?

3. Fair: Would my decision be considered fair by everyone affected by it? (Consider all stakeholders – the effects of decisions can be far reaching).

 

In relation to the term Decision Making, One Tree will:

1. Ensure decisions are in the best interest of the organisation rather than individuals.

2. Ensure decisions are ethically made and that they are transparent, fair and any harmful effects have been considered and strategies put in place to minimise or avoid negative consequences.

3. Be diligent that decisions are made based on a cognitive process, not emotional or personal [affective] processes.

4. Ensure a quality systematic approach.

5. Embrace change when it benefits the organisation and encourage diverse thinking.

6. Value individual participation and avoid uniformity [group thinking].

7. Create a non-threatening, safe and inclusive environment.

8. Reflect on the process and identify barriers.