The ethical decision: A narrative exploratory study of a common influence or value relied upon by individuals ethical decision-making process

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore narrative accounts of decision-making and identify influence or values that promote an individual's ethical decision-making process. The study focuses on influences and experiences individuals rely upon when making an ethical decision. Individuals around the world in different cultures and life styles are confronted with many diverse ethical decisions throughout their lives. Decisions can be negative or positive impact given the situation or event and have a rippling effect on family, friends, organization's and society. A review of the literature seeks to identify the influences throughout society and cultures that have an influence on personal and professional ethical codes of conduct. In reviewing history, examples of leadership theory and behavior that was acceptable in today's global economy and organizations are not acceptable today. Decisions made by CEO's and Corporate Executives are still individual decisions. Are these decisions right for the body or organization or for self-desire and personal gain? This study evaluated the values and influences that promote individual ethical decision-making process. Searching for a common influences or value individuals reflect upon when making an ethical decision. Influences and experiences shape the character and values of an individual establish the ethical boundaries of what is acceptable behavior. As each individual have their own character and personality, they also have different ethical boundaries. Two people can believe in the same ethical principal, but their boundaries of what is acceptable behavior and what is not, will be different.