Section 6- Part 3-4 Flashcards
Keys to Ethical Behavior
Objectivity
Independence
Avoidance of conflict of interest
Due Care
Objectivity
One key to ethical behavior is objectivity. Public officials are objective when they uphold the expectation of fairness, make decisions on merit, and do not allow prejudice or bias to influence their decisions or behavior
To maintain objectivity, government employees should provide full and accurate information to their superiors, and to members of the public (within disclosure and confidentiality rules).
Independence
This means to be free of relationships that may impair, or appear to impair, one’s ability to act with objectivity. Independence is the quality of being free of any obligation to particular parties or interests. Independence is especially crucial in the government environment where political pressures and conflicting interests abound.
Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest arise when one has a personal interest in matters relating to official duties or activities. Such conflicts can destroy objectivity and independence, and prevent the exercise of due care. And, as with other ethics issues, even the appearance of a conflict of interest can destroy the public trust.
Examples of conflict of interest
- past positions and relationships with prior employers; * current associates who could benefit personally from your actions;
- financial income or continuing participation in former employer’s employee benefit programs;
- investments in entities affected by your official actions;
- assets held by family members, or family-operated businesses affected by official actions;
- family members who hold key positions in other organizations you work with in an official capacity; and/or
- offers of future employment.
Cure conflict of resolution
- Recusals—written agreements to not participate in specific decisions or matters. These are effective for isolated situations.
- Waivers—possible if financial interest is not so substantial as to likely af-fect services. Waivers are usually granted by the head of the agency.
- Qualified blind trust—assets are put in care of an independent trustee. Note: For some situations, even a blind trust may not “cure” the conflict.
- Divestiture—sale or other disposal of assets. Potentially expensive due to loss or capital gain taxes, this is often the cure of last resort
Due Care
Another crucial principle is due care. This means to discharge professional re-sponsibilities with competence and diligence. Due care requires one to perform professional services to the best of one’s ability, and with the same level of ability and skill as others in similar positions. It also means to act in the best interest of those served, both inside and outside government.
To exercise due care, public officials must take positive efforts to obtain the knowledge and skills needed for their positions, and to update their skills through continuing education. Do not make commitments or accept responsibilities if you lack the knowledge, skill or experience to complete the task with a high degree of competence
Other Considerations
Other Ethical Considerations
Professional Certification and Continuing
Other Ethical Considerations
Public officials are expected to uphold standards of good citizenship. This in-cludes integrity in payment of taxes, obeying the law and fulfilling personal finan-cial obligations. It also includes reporting waste, fraud or abuse when discovered.
Professional Certification and Continuing Development
Due care requires having the education, knowledge, skills and experience to do the job with competence. Professional certification is an excellent way to demon-strate to yourself and others that you have the skills and competencies to fulfill your responsibilities. Continuing education is necessary for updating skills and maintaining certifications.
