Ethical Decision-Making for Certified Experts

In the Netherlands, a growing number of certified experts in counseling, communication, consultancy and controlling are using a specific three-stage model for ethical decision-making. The model is developed in interaction with these experts. This article describes the model's theoretical background of process ethics and its conceptual framework of a combination of dialogue and debate in three stages. It also demonstrates how the model is applied in practice by analyzing a vocational rehabilitation case involving misconduct by both an employer and an employee. Various arguments to determine what latitude the counselor has for taking action are reviewed. His final position reveals a great deal about his willingness to take responibility and his moral identity as a person and as an expert.