The Case of the Ballot Battle Memo
Step 5: Being ReflectivePart 1—Communicate Your Decision*
>
> As you come to the end of the process, you’ve made the following decision:
>
> *Accept the bid from VoteSecure, since their company provides the strongest
> guarantee of security. Ensuring the integrity of the election is your most
> important responsibility.*
>
> The option you chose was limited to one of the six on the list I provided.
> Now, however, you have the opportunity to communicate a decision to reflect
> what you believe is the most ethical course of action. Feel free to change
> any or all of the conditions to create the option you believe works best.
>
> I’ve laid out for you a method for organizing your thoughts. This format
> could easily be used as the basis for an email or an inter-office memo, but
> its primary purpose is to organize the reasons behind your action and to
> defend your decision. While each section of the memo has a word count
> limit, a concise memo will often be much shorter. I recommend aiming for
> roughly one-half of the maximum, but you can always write more if
> necessary.
>
> The goal is to use the norms of both ethical perspectives to write a memo
> that is technically sound and coherent as well as persuasive and inspiring.
> If you want to know more about the criteria for a good communication, check
> the *Memo Structure* page under *Game Information* on the left menu bar.
>
> *Audience*
>
> Choose a stakeholder or stakeholder group to receive the explanation of
> your decision? If you believe the decision should not be made public, then
> write a memo to the file or to yourself.
>
> — Choose a recipient — You, the Director of Elections VoteSecure and
> E-Lection Systems Joshua Tran, Clerk and Recorder of the City of Juniper
> The
> candidates for the office of Mayor of Juniper Rosalind Brooks, the
> Secretary of State The citizens of Juniper
>
> *Subject*
>
> Add a sentence or phrase that clearly identifies the purpose of the
> communication. A good greeting is engaging and anticipates the
> conversation.
>
> *(Limit of 30 words)*
>
> *0* Words. You have *30* words *left*.
>
> *Background of the Problem*
>
> In your background statement, include sufficient detail so that the
> recipient knows what the problem is without including any confidential
> information. Then, clearly present the values in conflict in the problem. A
> good statement is appropriate for the audience, is polished and coherent,
> is written from your own voice, and draws the audience into the
> conversation.
>
> *(Limit of 400 words)*
>
> *0* Words. You have *400* words *left*.
>
> *Statement of Decision*
>
> In a sentence, clearly and concisely state your decision. A good statement
> is understandable, considers the others involved, and connects with your
> audience.
>
> *(Limit of 150 words)*
>
> *0* Words. You have *150* words *left*.
>
> *Reasons for the Decision*
>
> Now, give the reasons for your decision. Use the language of the ethical
> framework or the ethical principles you used to come to your decision. A
> good decision statement uses the norms of both ethical lenses, uses logic
> and emotion to frame the solution, and presents a compelling solution to
> the problem.
>
> *(Limit of 400 words)*
>
> *0* Words. You have *400* words *left*.
>
> *Forward-Looking Conclusion*
>
> The final sentences should build a relationship with the other team members
> and your constituents, leave the door open for further conversation, and
> tell the recipient(s) what the decision means for them. A good conclusion
> is clear, presents a path forward, and is inspiring.
>
> If you have chosen to write a note to yourself, your conclusion should
> instead focus on your goals for further improvement or the steps you would
> take to avoid repeating the problem in the future.
>
> *(Limit of 200 words)*
>
> *0* Words. You have *200* words *left*.
>
> Once you’ve completed your memo, we’ll review the implications of your
> decision.
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