PLUS Model 4 Steps of Ethical Decision Making Technique

Introduction to the PLUS Model

The PLUS Model is an effective framework for ethical decision-making, serving as a checklist to navigate complex choices. Many individuals face pivotal decisions that come with significant pressures and potential downsides. The PLUS filter provides a structured approach, ensuring that decisions are not just intuitive but also grounded in a clear process.

Step 1: Policies

The first step in the PLUS Model is Policies (P). This involves checking whether the decision aligns with established company policies and procedures. It serves as a fundamental checkpoint, ensuring that any proposed action adheres to the internal guidelines already set. If a decision does not comply with existing policies, it may warrant reconsideration or abandonment at this stage.

Step 2: Legal

Following the policy assessment, the next step is Legal (L). This filter broadens the decision-making scope by examining the legal implications of the choice. While a decision may be acceptable under company policies, it must also comply with local, state, and federal laws. This step is crucial, as legal repercussions can have severe consequences, reinforcing the need to ensure that decisions are lawful.

Step 3: Universal

The third component of the PLUS Model is Universal (U). This stage requires individuals to evaluate whether their decision aligns with the core values and mission of the organization. It emphasizes the importance of organizational culture and integrity, prompting decision-makers to reflect on whether their choices reflect the values the organization espouses. This step often delves deeper than written policies, encouraging alignment with the ethical spirit of the organization.

Step 4: Self

The final step is Self (S), which acts as a personal gut check. This assessment asks whether the individual can personally endorse the decision, ensuring it aligns with their moral compass. It is essential that the decision feels right not just externally, but also internally, allowing individuals to reconcile their actions with their own ethical beliefs.

The PLUS Model’s strength lies in the sequential application of these four filters: Policies, Legal, Universal, and Self. Each step offers a unique lens through which to analyze decisions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the ethical implications involved. By utilizing this framework, individuals can transform complex emotional dilemmas into clear, rational choices, ultimately cultivating a pattern of sound ethical decision-making over time.