Baruth and Manning (1999) alluded to this need by saying that the ethical dilemmas faced by counselors are complex and become even more complex when working with people who have different views. As stated by LaFromboise and Foster (1989), the challenge then becomes the development of ethical decision-making that reflect a convergence of our current knowledge about multicultural counseling theory and ethical reasoning.
In examining the available ethical decision-making models published in the field, we found minimal reference to culture or how to integrate culture into ethical decision-making process systematically. The purpose of this article is to review the current models and offer a model that can be used by counseling practitioners facing ethical dilemmas involving clients from diverse backgrounds. Adapted primarily from the original Integrative Model developed by Tarvydas (1998), also drawing from the Social Constructivist Model (Cottone, 2001) and the Collaborative Model (Davis, 1997), this proposed model is titled the Transcultural Integrative Ethical' Decision-Making Model (hereafter referred to as the Transcultural Integrative Model). In terms of ethical theory, this proposed model is founded in both principle (or rational) ethics (Kitchener, 1984) and virtue ethics (Freeman, 2000; Jordan & Meara, 1995). These models and theories are discussed in the following section.
As mentioned earlier, Baruth and Manning (1999) stated that ethical decision making can be difficult, but it is necessary, particularly when counselors face complex situations or work with clients who have differing worldviews. Moreover, Remley and Herlihy (2001) pointed out that ethical decisions seldom involve a simple answer and usually are the result of a complex process. In addition, it is difficult to guarantee that actions will have the desired outcome. Remley and Herlihy also stated legal reasons for the need to have models of ethical decision making.