Resources

Values and Ethics Office

• Ethical Decision Making Model
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Links

Decision Making Model

What is an ethical dilemma?

Ethics is about right and wrong. There are three types of dilemmas.

1. You are unsure of the right thing to do.
2. Two or more of our values may be in conflict, e.g. honesty vs. compassion.
3. Harm may be caused no matter what you do.

What are the facts of the case?

• Some will be readily apparent
• Others will require digging
• In some cases you will not know all the facts
• Remember -- you are looking for facts not rumours, innuendo, or suspicions

What is the conflict of principles?

• What are the moral principles involved in the situation (what bugs you?)
• What is the conflict of principles?
• Which principle takes priority? Why?

What are the possible courses of action?

• Brainstorm all possible courses of action.
• Think about short term, mid term and long term consequences of your actions.
• Identify the unintended consequences.
• Who are the stakeholders and how will the decision affect them?

What course of action will you take?

• After ascertaining the facts, sorting and weighing the conflicting principles a decision is made.
• Accept responsibility for your actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are work place ethics?
• What is an ethical dilemma?
• How do I decide what to do?
• How do leaders foster an ethical environment?
• How can I improve ethical behaviour?
• What can we all do to prevent unethical behaviour?
• What are the RCMP core values?
• Does the RCMP have a formal ethics program?
• Why do employees need formal ethics education?
• Does the Values and Ethics code for the Public Service apply to employees of the RCMP?

What are work place ethics?

They can be defined as the written and unwritten codes of principles and values that govern decisions and actions within an organization. An organization’s culture sets the standards for determining the difference between tough decision making and behaviour.

What is an ethical dilemma?

It is a situation where you must choose between competing ethical obligations that flow from personally or professionally held ethical principles. In short:

• Choice between right and right
• Choice between wrong and wrong
• Not enough information

How do I decide what to do?

Be considered in your response. Investigate the options and probable outcomes (short term, medium term and long term). Use the Ethical Decision Making Model to assist.

How do leaders foster an ethical environment?

They live and model clear ethical behaviour. They provide opportunities for ethical dilemmas or issues to be discussed in an open and frank manner.

Walk the walk; don’t just talk the talk.

How can I improve ethical behaviour?

Hold yourself and others accountable for ethical behaviour and actions. Praise those who model clear, ethical actions. Create opportunities to have ethical discussions before a situation arises.

Educate yourself on the Mission, Vision and Values of the RCMP and the Commitments to our employees and communities. Educate yourself on applied ethics and practice those actions.

What can we all do to prevent unethical behaviour?

• Make the expectations, the risks, and what to do about them very clear.
• Create opportunities to discuss concerns, or ask questions.
• Take prompt action when problems occur.
• Ensure confidentiality and a reprisal-free environment.
• Model appropriate behaviour.
• Have the courage to speak out.

What are the RCMP core values?

Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, Compassion, Accountability, Respect

Does the RCMP have a formal ethics program?

Yes! Ethics are embedded as soon as a person becomes an employee of the RCMP. That is only the first step of the ethical leadership continuum; ethical training is provided throughout an employee’s career with the RCMP.

This office also provides ethics training to individual units upon request and is actively involved in course development for specific training.

Why do employees need formal ethics education?

It will reinforce a person’s individual values and ethics. This training may cause the person to reflect back to why they joined the RCMP, as most people start out wanting to make a difference.

Police officers and other employees are constantly exposed to ethical conflicts. By offering ethics education throughout one’s career, the values and ethics of the organization are reinforced and re-validated. By offering the Ethical Decision Making Model, to employees, they gain another tool to use when dealing with these conflicts. This office may also provide support to the employee by helping them work through the situation.

Does the Values and Ethics code for the Public Service apply to employees of the RCMP?

Yes! All RCMP employees, be they Regular Members, Civilian Members or Public Servants are subject to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service. Regular and Civilian members are also subject to the RCMP Act and Commissioner’s Standing Orders.

Links

• The RCMP’s Mission, Vision, & Values
• Ethics in the Public Service (Treasury Board)
• Advice from the Experts (Treasury Board)