When Friendships Interfere, Essay Example

Ethical Issues

As the state ethics investigator, the ethical issues that are present in this case relate to inappropriate friendships/relationships with an influential employee of a plant that has received wastewater complaints in the past. It is the duty and obligation of the state’s Water Resources Board and its employees to act within ethical boundaries and codes in order to avoid these types of relationships, because they put the employee and their organization at risk. Because George Wise spent off duty time and received perks and benefits through his friendship with Jack Masterson, he showed error in judgment and possible favoritism and partiality (Svara, 2014, pp. 62-63). Also, because the investigation was complete and found the lab technician had been paid off by Masterson to alter the water samples, it is possible that other employees within the Water Resources Board had knowledge of and helped cover up the wasterwater infractions. The intent of the investigation is to uncover any further ethical violations within the board.

Alternative Solutions

Wise’s acceptance of gifts from Masterson puts him at risk of showing unethical behavior (Svara, 2014, pp. 12-16). It would appear that by vacationing in Masterson’s cabin for the past two years shows poor decision-making. Wise should have made the moral and ethical decision not to interact with Masterson outside of work, and to keep the relationship strictly professional (Svara, 2014, pp. 12-16).If Wise had not accepted any favors or gifts from Masterson, he would not be implicated in the lab technicians pay off. Ideally, Wise would have not spent any outside time or unrelated meetings with Masterson in an effort to keep the business relationship on par with the state’s ethical standards.

Consequences of Alternative Solutions

If Wise had not pursued a non-business related relationship with Masterson, it would have been likely that the Water Resources Board would have uncovered the payoff earlier and Wise would not be implicated in the cover up/pay off. If Wise had followed his employer’s and his own moral and ethical guidelines, the situation could have been avoided. Because Wise had a close friendship with Masterson, it is likely that he made the decision not to look further into the details of the wastewater issues once the water had been tested. It is apparent that if a local newspaper had reason to believe that the water was contaminated by the plant Masterson worked for then the board and its employees should have suspected the contamination, as well. The board could have then launched its own investigation therefore minimizing public harm.

Final Recommendation

My final recommendation is to investigate Wise’s reports and his finances, in order to determine if there are any apparent and further cover ups, pay offs or inconsistencies. If the investigation does not find any reason to believe Wise was involved in the cover up, I recommend Wise to appear before the state ethics committee to determine the next course of action. I also recommend that, until the investigation is complete, Wise to remain on paid leave from his position at the board. His apparent decision shows poor judgment and lack of ethical standards, however, until the investigation is complete, there is no sign of criminal behavior, cover up or fraudulent activity (Svara, 2014, pp..16-18).

References

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