Ethical Theories and Principles in Organizational Decision-Making
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-ds-mk-03
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About the Article
This article examines the role of ethical theories and principles as conceptual foundations for organizational decision-making. It explores deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and relativism, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and relevance for practice. Core ethical principles—justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence—are highlighted as safeguards for equitable and responsible choices.
Applied frameworks such as Rest’s Four-Component Model, the PLUS Model, and Stakeholder Theory are presented as practical tools for structuring decisions in resource-constrained and culturally diverse environments. Case studies from nonprofit and corporate contexts illustrate how different theories yield distinct conclusions when applied to dilemmas such as donor relations, resource allocation, and culturally sensitive interventions.
The article argues for a pluralistic and integrative approach to ethics in organizations, emphasizing that no single theory suffices. Instead, combining theories, principles, and frameworks enhances organizational resilience, accountability, and stakeholder trust.
Key Topics
- Core ethical theories: deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, relativism
- Ethical principles: justice, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence
- Applied frameworks: Rest’s Four-Component Model, PLUS Model, Stakeholder Theory
- Case studies: nonprofit donor relations, health interventions, multinational dilemmas
- Integrative and pluralistic approaches to ethical reasoning
- Implications for organizational resilience and accountability
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Theories and Principles in Organizational Decision-Making. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sc-md-mt-03
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