Ethical Behavior and Core Values Flashcards
what is ethics
CODE OF CONDUCT
principles/standards of conduct that are commonly understood and accepted by society
Ethics = road map
concerned with how a moral person should or ought to behave
Values
concern the various beliefs and attitudes which determine how a person actually behaves, define what is important to us
integrity
wholeness - persons character is whole, (loyalty, responsibility, diligence)
fairness
freedom from prejudice or favoritism
respect
we acknowledge the rights and values of another person
honesty
being trustworthy, reliable, truthful and sincere
courage
personal ability to face difficulty with resolve, without excessive fear
moral courage
courage to do the right thing in the face of ethical challenges - even if it is not popular
compassion
concern for the welfare of others
standard of conduct
essential tools of LE - trust and credibility
3 components of character
moral knowing - knows what is right, moral feelings - feels they should do right thing, moral action - does right thing
rationalization
how we justify violating a rule, regulation or breaking the law; an attempt to provide an alternative explanation or defense for a behavior that would otherwise be seen as unacceptable
why are rationalizations used?
to protect self-esteem, to influence how a person is perceived by themselves and others
habits of good character
practice makes perfect, habits define our character and who we are
slippery slope - continuum of compromise
acts of omission - rationalize behaviors they would not ordinarily do
acts of commission - admin - commits admin violations, small rules
acts of commission - crim - LEOs actually violate the law
ACT Ethical decision making model
A- alternatives
C-consequences
T-Tell (your story)
sources of ethics guidance
agency statutes and various rules/regs, office of Gov. ethics, agency’s internal affairs or OIG, personnel office, state laws, agency ethics officer
examples of misconduct situations
misuse of g. ride, misuse of gov. property including computers, misuse of gov. travel CC, authority/position, lying on official records, acceptance of gifts, Whistleblower Protection Act
sexual harrassment
is a form of sex discrimination. unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal/physical conduct that enters into employment decisions, creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work env, (touching, groping, pressure for sex, suggestive behavior, sexual humon, porn,
Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate based on:
race, color, religion, national origin, sex
Title Vii of The Act prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sex with respect tO:
compensation, terms, condition, privileges of employment
Quid Pro quo
something for something (tangible); must meet criteria: based on sex, unwelcome advances, tangible economic benefit must be contingent on victims submission to unwelcome sexual advances
Hostile Work Environment
unwelcome conduct so severe it creates an intimidating/threatening, hostile, or offensive work environemtn (offensive, vulgar, malciious behavior directed @ person b/c of gender
Facts in determining HWE:
was conduct verbal, physical or both
how frequently it was repeated
hostile or patently offensive
harasser was cowoeker or supervisor
