Making Ethical Decisions In Construction

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.

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