Final Thoughts…

For my last blog entry for the PA6674 Ethics course, I would like to discuss the Code of Ethics for the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The ASPA constructed their code of ethics in 1984 to serve as guiding principles for business, professional organizations, and public agencies. The code of ethics includes 5 broad principles, as well as 32 specific sub-principles that I would consider the “dummy’s guide” for how public servants should act. I do not mean any disrespect at all by stating this; but I am giving this list complete respect in that it really is the list of ideals that all public sector employees should read, understand, and follow.

1.    Serve the public interest.  This seems easy enough.  I mean, isn’t this the reason we are working in the public sector?  The public has entrusted us with their hard-earned tax dollars, and the least we could do as their representatives is to listen to what they want us to do with those dollars. While serving the public trust, the ASPA suggests that we should exercise authority with discretion in order to promote the public’s best interest; oppose discrimination and harassment; support the public’s right to know the public’s business;  involve citizens in policy decision making; respond to the public in a manner that is complete and easy to understand; help people when they have to work with the government; and be prepared to make decisions that are not popular. All of these prescriptive statements should be understood and carried out accordingly. As a public servant, this means putting your own ethics aside, and adopting a view of the bigger picture. You may not personally agree with a stance or topic, but if it is in the best interest of the public, and is legal (that’s important!), then you have an obligation as a servant of the public to support it.

2.    Respect the Constitution of the United States of America.  This should be not only a requirement of public servants, but also of all Americans. If you live in the United States, or work in or for the United States, it would be a good idea to read and support its rules and regulations! The ASPA recommends that public servants understand and apply legislation; do what we can to change outdated and obsolete laws; eliminate discrimination; prevent mismanagement of public funds; protect privileged information; protect the rights of whistle blowers; and promote fairness, equality, representation, responsiveness, and due process. Again, this makes sense, but it does raise the question of how do we protect whistleblowers and their rights if the basis of their dissent results in the release of privileged information?

3.    Demonstrate Personal Integrity. The ASPA suggests that we maintain honesty; give others credit for the work that they do; guard against nepotism and improper outside employment; respect all coworkers and the public you serve; take responsibility for your actions; conduct yourself in your duties without partisanship. I feel that personal integrity is the keystone to the entire code of ethics.  If one does not exhibit each of these traits, how can they be expected to accomplish the other standards? 

4.    Promote Ethical Organizations. Promotion of ethical standards must begin from the top-down.  An agency must have ethical leadership that sets an expectation of highly ethical behavior of not only themselves, but of all they members of the organization. The ASPA recommends that organizations enhance and promote open communication; teach all staff to be true to the public good at all times; hold all members accountable for their behavior; be consistent and protect against arbitrary actions; assure due process for administrative dissent; promote accountability through the use of controls; and encourage the adoption and periodic review of an organizational code of ethics.

5.    Strive for Personal Excellence. Do not stand in the way of people who have the drive and motivation to improve themselves.. Create an environment that supports education and encourages advancement, and assume responsibility to remain current on any emerging issues. I found this one interesting, as this standard really does not speak on how personal excellence helps the public, but it is still obvious in its application. Promoting education, advancement, and knowledge of emerging issues will create a healthy, competitive environment within an organization and assure that staff is providing high quality services to their constituents.

It has been my personal pleasure to share my insights with each of you this term. If you have read my blog and wondered what the background image is, I will tell you that it is an elephant.  Ethics is the elephant in my room!