Making Ethical Decisions In Construction

By Robert Robillard on Contractor Advice

Doing The Right Thing


Picture: catholic radio international

The words are the same, whether its a talk to my employees or advice to my kids

Some decisions in life are “wicked” easy and not really important. For example, you might decide to have cereal instead of toast for breakfast.  But other decisions can involve choosing between what’s right and wrong, and sometimes it’s not as clear or easy to know which one is the correct choice.

Image: http://hrringleader.com

Image: http://hrringleader.com

Making Ethical Decisions In Construction Is Important To Your Companies Enduring Reputation

Whenever your unsure if your making the right choice, consider the following:

  1. If I have to think too much about it, or feel the need to justify my actions, it’s probably not the right thing to do.
  2. Do my actions hurt anyone?
  3. Am I being truthful and fair?
  4. Have I ever been told it’s wrong, or illegal?
  5. How would I feel if my actions were “printed” on the front page of the newspaper?
  6. What would the people I respect the most say about it?
  7. Am I violating the Golden Rule? [How would I feel if someone did it to me or a family member?]
  8. What does my conscience say?
  9. If I’m still stuck . . . research, and seek out someone I respect and trust to talk it out.
  10. Another way of looking at decisions ethically, is to use the Bell, Book and Candle test which is a well known and tested ethical test:
  • BELL – Listen for the bells warning you of an ethical issue.
  • BOOK – Check to see if there are any laws, regulations, or rules that would govern/restrict your choices.
  • CANDLE – How will your decision look in the light?  Could a reasonable and fair-minded person conclude that you acted properly?

Do the right thing! ~ a concord carpenter

 

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All posts by Robert »

Not what you're looking for?

Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like roof leak, bookcase, deck, etc to find your topic.

© Copyright 2019 A Concord Carpenter · All Rights Reserved