The Ethics Primer for Public Administrators, Essay Example

Chapter’s 5, 9 and 10 of James Svara’s The Ethics Primer examine the role of codes of ethics, ethics laws and setting rules and policies based on codes of ethics. Generally, an organization’s code of ethics consist of obligations, virtues, aspirations, social responsibilities and how to meet the principles as an obligation to serve the public and communities. Ethics in companies in both the public and private sectors seek to promote social justice, the dignity and worth of a person, the importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. With these factors in mind, organizations can better approach conflicts that arise among their employees. Enforcing and incorporating codes protect both the organization and the employee due having specific guidelines to follow. If an employee acts unethically, a code of ethics acts as a guideline. For example, if an employee has similar, prior violations that have previously been brought to the employees attention, “then reeducation has been attempted and failed” (Svara 99). Also important is determining whether the violations were willful or just a “stupid mistake,” which changes the scope and severity of the violation in light of the ethical code.

Incorporating codes into an organization provide a summary statement of standards, practices and exceptions, which also draw on the values of other sources of guidance and inspiration. Svara says that these aspects of ethical codes can easily be applied to a personal code of ethics, which is important for anyone going into the public sector, as they are responsible for upholding the public interest. Codes of conduct provide clear expectations, information and methods on anonymous reporting, advice on ethical issues, training for code and conduct, mechanisms for discipline, and clear evaluation of behavior during performance appraisals. These aspects of a code of ethics give the organization and management structure cohesiveness, transparency and validity within the public eye. Thus, ethics laws and codes provide a clear path to responsible behavior and in turn puts greater trust into the public sector.

References

Svara, J. H. (2014). The ethics primer for public administrators in government and nonprofit organizations. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.