When weighing the pros and cons of an ethical decision, Bill Broker will likely ask a series of questions. Which of the following is a question that Bill will probably not ask?

• A. Who will be affected by my decision?
• B. What options will hurt fewer people?
• C. Am I rationalizing in arriving at the decision?
• D. What choice will yield the greatest benefit to my company?

Answer: (D)

When weighing ethical decisions, the focus is on how the choice affects people and whether the reasoning is free from self-serving bias. A thoughtful decision maker asks who will be affected by the decision, which option would cause the least harm, and whether any personal justification is masking a less ethical motive.

The question about yielding the greatest benefit to the company centers on maximizing profit or advantage for the organization. That emphasis can clash with ethical considerations, because it may overlook the rights, welfare, or fair treatment of others. In ethical decision-making, it's important to weigh broader impacts and avoid justifying an option solely because it benefits the company.

So this question is the least aligned with ethical deliberation, which is why it’s the one Bill would probably not ask. The other questions—about who will be affected, minimizing harm, and checking for rationalization—fit the ethical decision-making process.