In arriving at an ethical decision, identify the key issue and ponder questions about alternative decisions. Which of the following is one such question that might be asked?

• A. Is it legal?
• B. Will it improve our profits?
• C. Can we keep it secret?
• D. Will it help me make the sale?

Answer: (A)

Ethical decision making starts by testing options against fundamental boundaries and possible consequences. A natural and important question to ask is whether the proposed action is legal. Legality serves as a baseline check, helping ensure you’re not endorsing conduct that violates laws or professional rules, which is a strong signal that something may be unethical. If something is illegal, it’s typically unethical to pursue, so this question helps you quickly narrow to options that stay within required standards. While legality is essential, ethical judgments also consider fairness, potential harm, and transparency, so being legal is necessary but not sufficient for ethical behavior.

Consideration of profits, secrecy, or personal sales goals focus on outcomes or self-interest rather than boundary testing. They may indicate motives or consequences but don’t address whether the action aligns with legal and professional norms.