Ethical Engineering: Definitions, Theories and Techniques - Ethical Engineering for International Development and Environmental Sustainability - page 43

External
Environment
Traditions and
Ethos

Embedded
Tradition
System

Errors
OR
Mismatch

Governing
Ethical
Principles

ACTIONS

Single-loop Win-Lose Learning
Single-loop Win-Win Learning

Double-loop Dialogue learning

Triple-loop Dialogue Learning
Quadruple-loop Dialogue Learning

Fig. 2.5 Multi-loop learning

all the theories to each problem, as they are not necessarily always all relevant.
Decision making then requires consideration of values and the reliability of the
available information.

3.5 Single-, Double- and Triple-Loop Action Learning

3.5.1 Introduction

The previous sections have discussed theories, philosophies and methods to be used
to support decision making to help determine what is ethical in a particular context.
However, once decisions have been made on what is ethical in the particular con-
text, it will be necessary to implement them. In some cases, this will be relatively
easy, whereas in others action will require the involvement of other people and/or
organisations and there may be institutional and other barriers. In the latter case,
there is a need for methods for overcoming barriers to ethical action and persuading
individuals and organisations of the value of such action. Some of the available
methods have been categorised (Nielson 1996 ) as single-, double- and triple-loop
action learning, and it is also useful to add quadruple-loop action learning. This is
illustrated in Fig. 2.5 .
The following distinctions can be made (Hersh 2006 ; Nielson 1996 ):

1. Single-loop action learning is about changing behaviour rather than learning
about ethics and changing values.
2. Double-loop action learning involves changes in values (generally of individuals)
as well as behaviour.
3. Triple-loop action learning involves changes in the underlying tradition or ethos
of the organisation, as well as changes in values and behaviour.
4. Quadruple-loop action learning additionally involves changes in the ethos or
tradition of the surrounding society. Alternatively it involves changes in the
underlying tradition with reference to the nature of the organisation in addition
to its practice.