The I-O Ethicist: A New TIP Column

Bill Macey

Sooner or later, most of us will face an ethical dilemma. It may involve ownership of data, unanticipated problems with informed consent, relationships between student interns and their sponsors, or problems with technology deployment that couldnt have been evident in the past. Where can we turn for guidance? 

At the moment, our choices are limited. We have the APAs new ethics code, shaped with input from SIOP through the efforts of Deirdre Knapp. Theres also the ethics case book (1998) edited by Rodney L. Lowman, The Ethical Practice of Psychology in Organizations published by SIOP. Although sources may be useful, they may not address the broad range of issues we are likely to face as I-O psychologists. Therefore, in keeping with SIOPs continuing commitment to help us understand our ethical responsibilities and to practice ethically, I am pleased to introduce this new column, The I-O Ethicist.
 
The SIOP Executive Committee initiated this column to provide further support for ethical practice to its members. This column is intended to provide a forum for discussing the many facets of ethical questions by reacting to ethical dilemmas presented by SIOP members. This column will be much like the weekly column appearing in the New York Times Magazine (authored by Randy Cohen). In that forum, those facing an ethical dilemma write to ask for the opinion of the columnist. A mostly straightforward response is provided, typically in terms of some form of next step for the individual to follow. 

Our plans for this column are similar. SIOP members who would like to raise an ethical dilemma may submit their questions, and a subset of a panel of I-O psychologists will respond with their views. Those serving on this panel with me are Jerry Greenberg, Dan Ilgen, Rick Jacobs, Dick Jeanneret, Deirdre Knapp, Joel Lefkowitz, Rodney L. Lowman, Robert McIntyre, Lois Tetrick, Nancy Tippins, Walt Tornow, and Vicki Vandaveer.
 
Members of SIOP are encouraged to submit questions to the panel. There are no clear boundary conditions for a good question. Questions may come from any area of I-O practice. Detail about the precursors to the situation may help TIP readers and the panel understand the situation further. For example, rather than just saying that a manager requested test scores on an individual who has been promised anonymity, explain that the manager requesting the scores was not part of the anonymity agreement and wants to use the test scores to decide which developmental opportunity best fits the needs of the individual. Please use your discretion about what you reveal. We may not be able to detect a unique identifier in all situations.

The form of the panels answers is yet to be determined, and quite frankly, will likely depend on the nature of the question being asked. Ill serve as coordinator of the panels responses and forward questions on to panel members as determined by the nature of the question (e.g., practitioner issues directed to practitioners). In some cases, I think its reasonable to assume that various members of the panel will choose not to respond because it would be inappropriate for them to do so (e.g., if it falls outside their area of expertise or if a panel member is involved in a similar situation). In other cases, we may find that differing perspectives result in different views. In such instances, we may frame an integrated response or provide the range of responses representing the varying perspectives. As this is a new effort, well see how it goes and adjust accordingly. Please bear in mind that the more information you provide about the situation, its context, and history, the more likely we can provide a response that addresses the specifics of the situation.

Clearly, there are some caveats:

• No response provided by a panel member is considered an official SIOP position.
• Responses should not be considered advice, but rather, the panels response given the context and information provided. 
• All identities will be kept strictly confidential. This applies to both those asking the questions and those providing replies. Importantly, inquiries or questions should omit information that might identify you, others, or any organization. Your anonymity can be ensured if you choose not to provide your name or identifying information. If you do provide your name (e.g., in the transmission of the situation), I will recuse myself from providing a response and will merely serve as the conduit for providing your question to the panel.
• Editorial discretion will be applied. Because the focus of this column is educating SIOP members about ethics, we may edit your question or situation to enhance the educational value. 
• We cant assure you that your question will be answered. Nor can we promise to respond to a dilemma within a time frame that would assist you in resolving an immediate problem. We hope to be able to answer all questions, but both space and issues of practicality may mean that some issues will not be addressed.
• Responses can only be given to the specifics provided. The value of any response is limited to the specificity of the issue as presented. Clearly, there is a delicate balance between specificity and anonymity.
• Responses reflect the opinion of the panel and have no special standing in the event of a formal ethics charge. If you need legal advice concerning your personal dilemma, we urge you to seek legal counsel.
• Also, please note that the APA Ethics Committee welcomes letters of inquiry as well.
  

The publication of responses will be driven by two factors. First, the TIP publication deadlines are the first of February, May, August, and November. That means that all the coordination for a particular inquiry must be handled by that time. So, a response to a particular question may not appear in print for some time after it is initially received. Second, it will take some time to coordinate responses among the panel. For now, I plan to distribute issues and inquiries as soon as they are received. 

How to Submit

Submit your question in writing to The I-O Ethicist, SIOP Administrative Office, 520 Ordway Ave., PO Box 87, Bowling Green OH 43402. Alternatively, you may submit your questions on the SIOP Web site at www.siop.org/ioethicist. Please note that your submissions and correspondence will be treated in strict confidence and will be completely anonymous.

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