How to Answer Behavioral Questions About Ethical Decision Making

Behavioral interview questions about ethical decision-making are designed to assess how you approach situations that involve moral dilemmas, integrity, and fairness. These questions typically start with “Tell me about a time when…” and focus on real-world examples of how you handled challenges related to ethics.

To effectively answer these types of questions, follow the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how to structure your response:

1. Situation

Start by describing the context or background of the situation. This sets the stage for your answer and helps the interviewer understand the challenges you were facing. Be clear about the ethical dilemma you encountered.

Example:
“In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for overseeing the work of a cross-functional team. We were working on a time-sensitive project for a client, and I discovered that one of my team members had been cutting corners to meet deadlines. The shortcuts they were taking were not only potentially harmful to the quality of the project but also violated our company’s ethical guidelines.”

2. Task

Next, explain what your responsibility was in that situation. What were you expected to do, and what was the outcome you were aiming for? This helps the interviewer understand the level of responsibility you had in resolving the issue.

Example:
“My responsibility was to ensure that the project was completed on time while maintaining high standards of quality. As a manager, I needed to ensure that the team followed ethical guidelines and adhered to company standards, even under pressure.”

3. Action

This is where you get to the core of your answer—what specific steps did you take to address the ethical issue? Be clear about the decisions you made and the rationale behind them. This is a crucial part of the answer because it demonstrates how you handle difficult situations.

Example:
“I immediately addressed the issue with the team member involved. I asked to meet privately and explained my concerns about the shortcuts they were taking. We discussed how these actions could affect the client’s trust in our company and the long-term reputation of the business. I also provided guidance on how they could meet deadlines without compromising ethical standards, including better time management and seeking help when needed. Additionally, I communicated with the rest of the team to ensure that everyone understood the importance of following ethical practices.”

4. Result

Finally, share the outcome of your actions. How did your decision affect the team, the project, or the company? If possible, provide quantitative or qualitative results to demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach.

Example:
“As a result, the team member acknowledged their mistake and began following the proper procedures. The project was completed successfully and on time, with no compromise in quality. The client was pleased with the final deliverable, and we maintained a strong working relationship with them. Additionally, the team adopted a more proactive approach to managing time and quality, which led to a noticeable improvement in the overall project outcomes.”

Tips for Answering Behavioral Questions About Ethical Decision Making

• Be Honest: If you’ve faced a situation where your actions didn’t result in the best outcome, it’s okay to mention it. Acknowledge any mistakes, but focus on what you learned from the experience and how you would approach a similar situation differently in the future.

• Stay Neutral: When describing the ethical dilemma, avoid assigning blame or getting too emotional about the situation. Focus on the facts and your actions.

• Show Values Alignment: Your answer should highlight that you prioritize ethics in your decision-making process. Employers value candidates who demonstrate strong moral principles and can be trusted to make sound, ethical choices in difficult situations.

• Focus on Collaboration: Ethical decision-making often involves working with others to resolve conflicts or dilemmas. Emphasize how you collaborated with team members, stakeholders, or leaders to come to a solution.

By using the STAR method to answer behavioral questions about ethical decision-making, you can clearly demonstrate your ability to handle ethical challenges, show your integrity, and prove that you can make decisions that are not only effective but also morally sound.