Dancing on the Narrow Ridge: Superintendents' Ethical Decision-Making

Dr. Keith D. Walker & Dr. J. Kent Donlevy

Publisher: Turning Point Global Publishers

ISBN 978-0-9866609-0-0

This monograph describes approaches to ethical decision-making used by educational decision-makers, based on findings from survey responses (n=136) and interviewee data (n=20). The approaches are organized into four categories: relativism, utilitarianism, reflectivism, and deontologism. Following the presentation of each category, a critique of each approach is provided from the viewpoint of Martin Buber’s concepts of “I-Thou” and “I-It,” while positioning the decision-makers’ choices of approach on what Buber calls the paradox of the “narrow ridge.” Lastly, this monograph suggests how educational decision-makers might best approach ethical decision-making taking into account Buber’s concepts. pp.113

University of Saskatchewan > College of Education > Saskatchewan Educational Leadership Unit