Integrity Decision Framework
Different people and situations call for different decisions. And every decision opportunity is characterized by its context–trivial or critical, simple or complex, personal or group consensus. However, every team needs a guiding decision framework as a starting point.
The illustrated framework outlines four ‘lenses’ to consider for each decision.
- At the level of business finances and modeling, a strategic lens considers value to the business. This is usually where the conversation begins, because someone in a business is motivated to take an action that they believe adds value to the organization.
- A legal lens considers whether a decision complies with applicable laws and regulations. Typically, rudimentary and common actions only require competent legal acumen, whereas more creative or complex actions benefit from commensurate legal review.
- An ethical lens relates decisions to the appropriate community rules, which might exceed, or sometimes even conflict with, applicable legal constraints. Also, consider that some of your business partners or advisors, like lawyers and doctors, are subject to their own rules of ethics.
- Finally, a moral lens, or personal values and principles, might come into play for certain decisions. This is often the distinguishing feature of organizations we often refer to as “socially responsible” or “sustainable” businesses, but not all business decisions require significant moral consideration.
When you find yourself deciding to move forward without using one of these lenses, try to make sure you understand the types of risk you might be exposed to. Under certain circumstances, some of those risks will be acceptable and others will not. This is where business judgment and accountability dominate.
What framework do you use in your business decisions?
[This post was originally published September 11, 2017, on LinkedIn by Jeff Holman.]
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Get your LEGAL ROADMAP for Technology Ventures and Transactions
Align your IP STRATEGY with your Business Strategy
PROTECT your Technology and Brand
INTEGRATE our Team into your Team
Get your Invention DIY PATENT PENDING
Legal Disclaimer: This general information does not establish a legal relationship with any attorneys or law firm without a written and signed legal representation engagement agreement.
Other articles you might like...
