A Question of Ethics

Ethics and Problem Analysis

Problem analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. There are several highly effective business problem analysis models, each tailored for different types of challenges. Some of the most popular models include:

  • Root Cause Analysis, which includes techniques such as “The Five Whys” and the “Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram”
  • SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  • Gap Analysis, which includes identifying gaps between where an organization is and where it needs to be, and then focusing on areas of improvement

There are several ethical concerns when conducting good problem identification and analysis.

  • What if you cannot obtain the political buy-in needed to properly analyze the problem?
  • How do you properly identify and analyze a business problem with a strong political undercurrent?
  • How do you proceed if a solution is already laid out for you?
  • When we become operationally aligned with a decision-maker, do we run the risk of “preemptive avoidance,” where we decide not to initiate a topic because we know it will provoke a negative response?

Panel
Samantha Wallis, Deputy Trial Court Administrator, Supreme Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Rick Pierce, Judicial Programs Administrator, Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts
Stacy Worby, State Jury Coordinator for the Alaska Court System
Creadell Webb, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watch or Listen to the Episode

You can also watch or listen to the episode from September 26, 2024 on nacmnet.org.

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