Ethics are the rules that define moral conduct according to the ideology of a specific group. Moreover, ethics in public administration are important for good business conduct based on the needs of a specific town, state or country. Adhering to a code of ethics can be challenging, but there are courses available in an online MPA program that can help students prepare to work within such parameters.
Ethics provide accountability between the public and the administration.
Ethics provide accountability between the public and the administration. Adhering to a code of ethics ensures that the public receives what it needs in a fair manner. It also gives the administration guidelines for integrity in their operations. That integrity, in turn, helps foster the trust of the community. By creating this atmosphere of trust, the administration helps the public understand that they are working with their best interests in mind.
Additionally, a code of ethics creates standards of professionalism that co-workers in the public sector can expect from each other — the public can also expect the same from their leaders. With a strong code of ethics in public administration, leaders have the guidelines they need to carry out their tasks and inspire their employees and committees to enforce laws in a professional and equitable manner.
Another positive outcome of good ethics in public administration is timely and informative communication with the community. This kind of transparency builds trust and prevents or minimizes the potential issues that can arise when information is divulged from outside sources. If there is something of consequence that the public needs to know about, it’s better for it to come directly from the leaders and administration. Communication also keeps all parties involved so that they can all work toward a common goal. Good communication ensures that the community can engage their leaders on important issues.
An ethics course in an online MPA program can help students understand the values of a code of ethics, and it can instruct them in ethical decision making. Coursework can also help students identify instances when they may face ethical dilemmas and give them the tools to act ethically. More importantly, coursework can give students a framework for their own integrity and commitment to ethics in public administration. As such, when a student faces a real-life ethical dilemma in the public sector, he or she will already know how to act immediately and professionally rather than losing time to misdirected, reactionary efforts that may violate a code of ethics.
When it comes to the public sector, strong ethics are paramount. Students who have studied ethics in an online MPA program are well-informed and ready to face the challenges of working within a code of ethics. They know how to maximize their efforts as part of a team and also how to serve as leaders when the need arises to further the goals they share with their communities.
Learn more about the UT Arlington online MPA program.
Sources:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/25/ethical-concerns-public-service-commissioning
https://www.aspanet.org/ASPA/Code-of-Ethics/ASPA/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics.aspx
https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/the-five-core-values-of-public-administration/
http://www.governing.com/columns/smart-mgmt/col-culture-ethics-public-sector-needs.html
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