What is ethical decision-making?

Every day we make a number of smaller or larger decisions. Some are easy, others can be difficult because we don’t know how to decide. It is at these times that it can be very helpful to learn the principles of ethical decision-making, which can serve as a moral compass and help us make responsible and just decisions. The greater the impact of our decisions, the more important it is to develop the ability to make decisions that have a positive impact on those around us. This is true both in our personal and professional lives, as ethical decision-making can make a significant contribution to reducing the gender power gap and motivating women to become actively involved in leadership roles.

What do we mean by “ethical decision-making“? Ethical decision-making is the process by which an individual or organisation chooses between different options based on moral principles, values and impact on others. This process is not always straightforward because it involves various ethical dilemmas, conflicting interests and long-term consequences. For inspiration, we can look to Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of practical judgment with respect to a particular context, referred to as “phronesis”. This concept is also translated as “practical wisdom”, i.e. the ability to make the right decisions in different situations.

Why is ethical decision-making important for promoting equal opportunities?

Decision-making affects not only the individual but also the wider environment. The higher the level at which it is made, the greater the impact. A leader who makes ethical decisions creates a fair, open and inclusive work environment. Below we will look at specific examples of how ethical decision-making contributes to equality, diversity and inclusion and the promotion of women in leadership positions:

✅ Equality

Ethical decision-making ensures that all employees are treated equally, regardless of their gender, background, age, health limitations, religion, sexual orientation, etc. This means that everyone has equal access to opportunities for professional growth and development. The organisation has developed transparent criteria for recruitment processes, remuneration, performance reviews, promotions, access to benefits, etc.

✅ Diversity and inclusion

In an organisation whose decisions are based on ethical principles, diversity is encouraged and respected, diversity of opinion is encouraged, biases in recruitment are eliminated, and minority and female representation in leadership is encouraged. Such a culture encourages innovation and creativity.

✅ Supporting women in leadership positions

Ethical decision-making also contributes to creating an environment that supports women in leadership positions. That is, decision-making takes into account the removal of barriers that prevent women from advancing to leadership positions. Concrete examples include creating an environment for work-life balance (e.g. company nurseries, dedicated childcare space, introducing flexible working arrangements such as part-time, home office, compressed working week, flexible working hours, etc.). Mentoring programmes for women and programmes to help reconcile childcare and work are also useful tools.

Practical example: 
In 2021, Microsoft announced that it will increase the number of women and minorities in leadership positions while introducing programmes to promote inclusion. The result was not only a better work environment, but also increased innovation and employee satisfaction.

👉 We now have a clearer picture of what ethical decision-making is, what it means and how it can promote equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as women in leadership positions. Let’s now look at a bit of applied theory. That is to say, what are the foundations of ethical decision-making and what models of ethical decision-making we know.