Sensemaking Strategies for Ethical Decision Making

Abstract

The current study uses a sensemaking model and thinking strategies identified in earlier research to examine ethical decision-making. Using a sample of 163 undergraduates, a low fidelity simulation approach is used to study the effects personal involvement (in causing the problem and personal involvement in experiencing the outcomes of the problem) could have on the use of cognitive reasoning strategies that have been shown to promote ethical decision-making. A mediated model is presented which suggests that environmental factors influence reasoning strategies, reasoning strategies influence sensemaking, and sensemaking in turn influences ethical decision-making. Findings were mixed but generally supported the hypothesized model. Interestingly, framing the outcomes of ethically charged situations in terms of more global organizational outcomes rather than personal outcomes was found to promote the use of pro-ethical cognitive reasoning strategies.

Interpreting ethical challenges in military operations

“…Caughron et al, 2011;Christensen & Kohls, 2003;Weber & Wasieleski, 2001). Jones (1991) refers to the characteristics of situations -such as the harmfulness (to a larger group of people), the likeliness to occur, and the direct impact on or personal relevance for the decision-maker -as the moral intensity of a situation.…”

“…The process is concluded when individuals believe to understand the novel situation well enough to decide how to act (cf. Caughron et al, 2011;Weick et al, 2005). Recently, research has focused on sensemaking in relation to EDM (e.g., Brock, et al, 2008;Martin, et al, 2011;Mumford, et al, 2008).…”

“…Research shows that the sensemaking process includes a variety of metacognitive reasoning strategies. Caughron et al (2011) described a categorization in which a person distinguishes between seven different sensemaking tactics: dealing with emotions, recognizing the circumstances (i.e., creating a clear picture of the relevant aspects of the situation by analyzing its origin and the interests of all parties involved), seeking outside help, questioning own and others' judgment, anticipating consequences of actions, analyzing own personal motivations, and considering the effects of actions on others. Others have integrated the tactical level of sensemaking in higher-level strategies, which broadly encompass four broad categories: emotion regulation, forecasting, self-reflection, and information integration (cf.…”

“…The eight sensemaking tactics nested in the four broader strategies were operationalized in eight descriptions of each tactic based on Caughron et al (2011) and Thiel et al, (2012;See table 15). We offered the respondents forced-choice options of two tactics at a time such that all 28 possible combinations were offered once and in a random order.…”

“…We verkenden op welke wijze individuen een constructie maken van de situatie waarin zij zich bevinden aan de hand van een raamwerk gebaseerd op eerdere studies (Brock et al 2008;Caughron et al, 2011;Thiel, et al, 2012). Sensemaking betreft vier categorieën van tactieken die door individuen ingezet worden: emotie regulatie, voorspellen, zelfreflectie en integreren van informatie (vgl.…”