Ethics and Problem Analysis

Court Leader's Advantage

September 26, 2024, Question of Ethics Conversation

Problem Analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. There are several highly effective business problem analysis models, each tailored for different types of challenges. Some of the most popular models:

• Root Cause Analysis which includes techniques such as “The Five Whys” and the “Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram”

• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

• Gap Analysis which includes identifying gaps between where an organization is and where it needs to be, then focusing on areas of improvement.

There are several ethical concerns when conducting good problem identification and analysis.

• What if you cannot obtain the political buy-in needed to properly analyze the problem?

• How do you properly identify and analyze a business problem with a strong political undercurrent?

• How do you proceed if a solution is already laid out for you?

• When we become operationally aligned with a decision-maker do we run the risk of “preemptive avoidance” where we decide not to initiate a topic because we know it will provoke a negative response?

Today’s Panel

• Samantha Wallis - Deputy Trial Court Administrator, Supreme Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

• Rick Pierce - Judicial Programs Administrator, Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts

• Stacy Worby - State Jury Coordinator for the Alaska Court System

• Creadell Webb - Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Leave a question or comment at ethics@nacmnet,org

Join the Question of Ethics Conversation held after the Subcommittee meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm ET.