Home > Sector Info > Ethics

Sector Info

Code of Ethical Practice � A First Step for the Victorian Youth Sector

In October 2007, YACVic (following extensive consultation with young people and the youth sector) launched the Code of Ethical Practice � A First Step for the Victorian Youth Sector. The Code outlines a set of youth work principles and practice responsibilities for youth workers. Find out more

You can also request YACVic to speak at your staff meeting, student group or network meeting about the Code. Please use the request a speaker form to enquire about this.

Ethical Dilemma Blog

Welcome to YACVic�s Ethical Dilemma Blog, where we discuss ethical issues surrounding youth work and practice. We hope this blog will help generate dialogue and discussion around good practice in the Victorian youth sector.

You can also view earlier blog posts or email us at sector@yacvic.org.au with any suggestions for our Ethical Dilemma Blog.

Dealing with an ethical dilemma - 11-09-2008

So you�ve got an ethical dilemma on your hands. How do you figure out what to do? What approach should you adopt to try and resolve the dilemma? What are some of the main considerations that should be taken into account?

Generally speaking, there are two major approaches that philosophers use in handling ethical dilemmas: one approach focuses on the practical consequences of what we do; the other concentrates on the actions themselves. The first school of thought basically argues "no harm, no foul"; the second claims that some actions are just plain wrong.

Thinkers have debated the relative merits of these approaches for centuries, but for the purpose of getting help with handling ethical dilemmas, think of them as complementary strategies for analyzing and resolving problems.

Here's a brief, three-step strategy that shows you how you might incorporate both into your approach to dealing with an ethical dilemma. (By the way, we need to state that what we're offering is only a strategy for dealing with ethical dilemmas. If there're any laws involved, you'll need to weigh them carefully in your considerations. If you're unsure, we strongly advise that you consult a lawyer, a guardian, teacher, or anyone who can advise you on the consequences of breaking - or not breaking - those laws before you act.)

Step 1: Consider the consequences of your actions
Assume you have a variety of options on how to resolve your ethical dilemma. Consider the range of both positive and negative consequences relating to each by asking the following questions:

Who will benefit from what you do (or do not do)?
Who will be harmed?
What kind of benefits and harm are we talking about?
For example, some "benefits" in life (like health) are presumably more important than others (like a new DVD player). A small amount of "high value" benefits could outweigh a larger amount of "low value" benefits. Conversely, a small amount of "high value" harm (e.g. the pain you cause when you betray someone) could outweigh a larger amount of "lower value" pain (e.g. the disappointment of having to wait longer for a promotion).
What are the long-term and short-term consequences associated with each option?

After considering your options in the context of each question above, which one promises to be the most acceptable approach for you to adopt?

Step 2: Reflect on the nature of your actions
Now consider all of your options from a completely different perspective. Instead of thinking about the consequences of each action, focus only on the inherent natures of the actions themselves:

How do they measure up against moral principles like honesty, fairness, equality, respecting the dignity of others, human rights, and recognizing the vulnerability of individuals weaker or less fortunate than others?
Are any of the actions that you're considering acts of politeness/impoliteness, acts of decency/indecency or important ethical/unethical acts?
If there's a conflict of principles or rights between some of your actions, is there a way to see one principle or set of rights as more important than the other?

After considering each action in the light of the questions above, which is the least problematic option?

Step 3: Make a decision
Taking both outcomes of your analysis into account, make a decision. Good luck!