Aca ethical decision making model

nstitutional Affiliation

Outline and Annotated Bibliography on Ethical Dilemma

Ethical dilemmas present in different situations, which requires the involved people to apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and conflict resolution techniques to address them. According to Figar and Đorđević (2016), the agents at the center of ethical dilemmas find themselves in a hard situation because they have to choose between the available ethical and unethical alternatives. Even after selecting the ethical alternatives, the agents need to determine the most appropriate type to the existing situation. Ethical dilemmas have always existed since the beginning of time, and over the years, researchers and thinkers from different backgrounds have put forth decision-making models deemed effective in lessening the difficulty of selecting the best choice. For instance, the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Decision Making Model consists of seven steps followed when selecting the best ethical alternative. Based on the details provided in the case study, applying ACA’s model could address the existing dilemma and help to attract and retain additional members to the ‘relationship skills’ group administered by Amanda.

Counselors, therapists, and other relevant types of caregivers are responsible for employing the type of theoretical frameworks and conflict resolution strategies that diffuse ethical dilemmas. Logman (2016) asserts that ethical dilemmas and code of ethics have been a bone of interpretation and contention since the beginning of time. Due to the complexity of some dilemmas, thinkers and researchers have developed techniques and models essential in addressing conflicting situations. Particularly, the ACA’s seven-step model is useful in eliminating the dilemmas by providing a series of steps helpful in deciding on the desirable course of action. These steps include problem identification, application of the ACA’s code of ethics, determination of the dimensions and nature of the dilemma, generation of the potential course of action, consideration of the potential consequences of the chosen option, evaluation of the chosen course of action, and implementation of the selected choice (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1995). The case study provided concerns a former detainee who threatens to commit suicide following the first meeting of the ‘relationship skills’ group administered by Amanda. His intended course of action emerges following the decision by five of the female members to exit the group after he reveals his anger towards women. The exit aggravates him to the extent of contemplating taking his life. The situation places Amanda between a hard place and a rock considering that she has to review the possible course of actions and select the most desirable. Despite the existence of a large pool of models, she has a chance to address the issue by applying the ACA’s decision-making model. The rest of this paper contains the outline and the annotated bibliography of the case study provided.

Outline

I. Introduction

According to Figar and Đorđević (2016), the agents at the center of ethical dilemmas find themselves in a hard situation because they have to choose between the available ethical and unethical alternatives.

Thesis: Based on the details provided in the case study, applying ACA’s model could address the existing dilemma and help to attract and retain additional members to the ‘relationship skills’ group administered by Amanda.

II. Studies about ethical dilemma have occurred for a long time.

A. Ethical dilemmas have always existed since the beginning of time, and over the years, researchers and thinkers from different backgrounds have put forth decision-making models deemed effective in lessening the difficulty of selecting the best choice.

B. Even after selecting the ethical alternatives, the agents need to determine the most appropriate type to the existing situation.