Responsible Decision-Making

Responsible Decision Making:

The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations.

This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being.

Skills involved in ethical decision-making and responsibility include:

• Noticing and identifying problems

• Understanding the different aspects (e.g., moral, social, emotional, practical) of challenging situations

• Realistically evaluating the potential consequences of various actions

• Considering the well-being of both oneself and others; balancing individual interests with the greater good

• Valuing moral principles, such as justice, fairness, and the rights and welfare of all people

• Applying ethical standards to personal and social behavior

• Recognizing the role of emotions in decision-making and integrating them with other concerns

• Solving problems in intentional and appropriate ways

• Reflecting on one’s own actions