4.5 The Multicultural Model

Frame and Williams (2005) created the multicultural model of ethical decision-making in response to a need for more emphasis on the needs of diverse populations and historical dynamics of power and oppression by existing ethical frameworks and philosophies within the counseling field. As such, the multicultural model emphasizes cultural considerations, potential value conflicts between cultures, the acculturation process, and dynamics of power. By the model’s organization, it is particularly suited for ethical dilemmas in which cultural aspects are especially salient. However, this is not to say that the model is limited in its scope of application. We are all cultural beings; consequently, every situation occurs in a cultural or multicultural context with unique considerations. An additional unique aspect of the multicultural model is its emphasis on self-reflection and empathetic interaction. You will notice that the model utilizes introspective questions and requires users to put themselves into the shoes of others in order to decide, unlike the prompts utilized by the nine-stage model.

The multicultural model consists of the following steps: (Adapted from Frame & Williams, 2005)

Step 1: Define the Situation and Identify the Ethical Dilemma(s)

• What ethical principles are in conflict?
• What are my values? How do they differ from those of my client?
• What cultural and historical factors is this dilemma occurring in the context of?
• Does my client have any thoughts regarding the dilemma?
• What are my thoughts and feelings about the dilemma?

Step 2: Explore the Role of Power and Privilege

• What level of power and privilege am I afforded in my culture and community, both as a counselor and as a person?
• What level of power and privilege is my client afforded, both as a client and as a person?
• What role do power and privilege play in a potential solution I may reach?
• Is there a significant power differential between myself and my client? How does this impact the counseling relationship?
• If significant differences in power, privilege, or values exist, how can my client and I bridge these differences to reach an equitable and mutually-respectful solution?

Step 3: Consider Degrees of Acculturation and Racial Identity Development

• To what extent has my client acculturated into society? To what extent have I acculturated?
• How salient are matters of identity and culture within my clients life? How salient are they in my own life?
• How would my normal practice need to change to meet my clients needs? What am I asking of my client in order to meet my own needs?

Step 4: Consult with Trusted, Culturally Competent Colleagues

• What are the values, beliefs, and traditions of the individual I am consulting with?
• Where does my consultant lie in the context of power and privilege?
• How might these factors influence the advice they provide?

Step 5: Consider Alternative Courses of Action

• How is each option received when examined in the context of previous steps?
• Do I have any fears about undertaking any of the identified options?
• What do I feel intuitively is the right course of action?

Step 6: Make a Decision

• Has my client been an active participant in the decision making process? What contributions have they made?
• How do I feel about my decision? What are my motivations and rationale?
• What are the main critiques of the decision I have made?
• Have I documented my decision making process and plan of action?

Step 7: Evaluate the Decision Made

• How does the decision I reached reflect the principles of the ethical codes?
• In reaching my decision, how did I take my client’s culture and values into consideration? How did my own culture and values influence the decision making process?
• How do I feel about the decision reached? Were any of my values or beliefs challenged? Affirmed?
• How would others feel about the decision I reached? Individuals from my client’s cultural background? My own cultural background?
• How did power and privilege influence the decision making process?
• What have I learned in attempting to resolve this ethical dilemma?