System of Inquiry

Personal Values Development Paper

Tammy Anderson

PHL323

Ms. Mary Mc Williams

May 11, 2008

System of Inquiry Paper

In this paper a system of inquiry will be developed to be used in evaluating decision-making, problem solving, and behavior in a business setting. A basic framework will be included from Carlson Companies. A discussion of why, how, when, and by whom the framework will be used by the company will also be included.

What is a system of inquiry? A system of inquiry is something used to determine a decision-making framework for an ethical dilemma in a corporation. All employees come across ethical dilemmas everyday in their jobs and personal life. The employee will make these decisions without much thought based on the person’s ethical teachings and experiences. But sometimes and ethical dilemma has to be escalated in a company to someone who can help make the decision for the dilemma.

One of the ways Laura Nash (Nash, 1981).uses is twelve questions. The questions consist of:

• Have you defined the problem accurately?

• How would you define the problem if you stood on the other side of the fence?

• How did this situation occur in the first place?

• To whom and to what do you give your loyalty as a person and as a member of the corporation?

• What is your intention in making this decision?

• How does this intention compare with the probable results?

• Who could your decision or action injure?

• Can you discuss the problem with the affected parties before you make your decision?

• Are you confident that your position will be as valid over a long period of time as it seems now?

• Could you disclose without qualm your decision or action to your boss, your CEO, the board of directors, your family, society as a whole?

• What is the symbolic potential of your action if it is understood or misunderstood?

• Under...