[nfbmi-talk] Code of Ethics

[Fred Wurtzel]

Hello,

 

As a graduate in Public Administration, the following code, from the
American Society for Public Adminstration, is applicable to my behavior as a
public employee.  I believe such a code may be useful for the Commission
Board to adopt with regard to services to blind people.  What do you think?

 

ASPA's CODE OF Ethics

I. Serve the Public Interest

Serve the public, beyond serving oneself. ASPA members are committed to:

1. Exercise discretionary authority to promote the public interest.

2. Oppose all forms of discrimination and harassment, and promote
affirmative action.

3. Recognize and support the public's right to know the public's business.

4. Involve citizens in policy decision-making.

5. Exercise compassion, benevolence, fairness and optimism.

6. Respond to the public in ways that are complete, clear, and easy to
understand.

7. Assist citizens in their dealings with government.

8. Be prepared to make decisions that may not be popular.

II. Respect the Constitution and the Law

Respect, support, and study government constitutions and laws that define
responsibilities

of public agencies, employees, and all citizens. ASPA members are committed
to:

1. Understand and apply legislation and regulations relevant to their
professional

role.

2. Work to improve and change laws and policies that are counterproductive
or obsolete.

3. Eliminate unlawful discrimination.

4. Prevent all forms of mismanagement of public funds by establishing and
maintaining

strong fiscal and management controls, and by supporting audits and
investigative

activities.

5. Respect and protect privileged information.

6. Encourage and facilitate legitimate dissent activities in government and
protect

the whistleblowing rights of public employees.

7. Promote constitutional principles of equality, fairness,
representativeness, responsiveness

and due process in protecting citizens' rights.

III. Demonstrate Personal Integrity

Demonstrate the highest standards in all activities to inspire public
confidence

and trust in public service. ASPA members are committed to:

1. Maintain truthfulness and honesty and to not compromise them for
advancement, honor,

or personal gain.

2. Ensure that others receive credit for their work and contributions.

3. Zealously guard against conflict of interest or its appearance: e.g.,
nepotism, improper

outside employment, misuse of public resources or the acceptance of gifts.

4. Respect superiors, subordinates, colleagues and the public.

5. Take responsibility for their own errors.

6. Conduct official acts without partisanship.

IV. Promote Ethical Organizations

Strengthen organizational capabilities to apply ethics, efficiency and
effectiveness

in serving the public. ASPA members are committed to:

1. Enhance organizational capacity for open communication, creativity, and
dedication.

2. Subordinate institutional loyalties to the public good.

3. Establish procedures that promote ethical behavior and hold individuals
and organizations

accountable for their conduct.

4. Provide organization members with an administrative means for dissent,
assurance

of due process and safeguards against reprisal.

5. Promote merit principles that protect against arbitrary and capricious
actions.

6. Promote organizational accountability through appropriate controls and
procedures.

7. Encourage organizations to adopt, distribute, and periodically review a
code of ethics

as a living document.

V. Strive for Professional Excellence

Strengthen individual capabilities and encourage the professional
development of

others. ASPA members are committed to:

1. Provide support and encouragement to upgrade competence.

2. Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on
emerging issues

and potential problems.

3. Encourage others, throughout their careers, to participate in
professional activities

and associations.

4. Allocate time to meet with students and provide a bridge between
classroom studies

and the realities of public service.