Decisions in Paradise, Part Iii

Decisions in Paradise, Part III

Noel Fagfoomsintu

MGT/350-Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

October 11, 2010

Bridget Peaco

Decisions in Paradise, Part III

During the establishment of Providence Health & Services’ presence (PHS) in Kava, a couple of important factors surfaced that required immediate attention. PHS is a Catholic-influenced healthcare organization. According to the facts about Kava, however, 50% of its population is Indigenous. The remainder are closely divided between Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic. This definitely presented the dilemma of a conflict of interest.

Economics was the other factor to consider. From the beginning, Chris was preaching “In the long run, economics drives everything.” It seemed totally unrealistic to expect PHS to economically flourish in a country that relies on petroleum, coffee, bananas, tourism, and fishing. We had to find a way to help the people of Kava afford healthcare services. These factors presented serious obstacles that may have hindered the accomplishment of the organization’s goal. With the appropriate decision-making technique, however, PHS will be able to succeed in Kava.

The “Operating Principles” of PHS recognized that the efforts to further Providence’s mission may potentially lead to value conflicts; which is also discussed as “dilemmas”. Any particular value conflicts require decision-making. It is the responsibility of PHS to recognize value conflicts for what they are and to resolve them using an ethical decision making process. In the event that it can’t be resolved, it will then be referred to someone who is able to help. With Catholicism not one of the religions practiced in Kava, it was definitely going to cause a problem in regard to religious beliefs. We had to assure the people of Kava that quality healthcare and services can be provided, despite the religious differences.

In solving this problem, it was important to initially think...