Public Service Ethics
Individual and Institutional Responsibilities
1st Edition
Published on 1. April 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-4522-7413-3 (ISBN)
Description
Ethics-in all its exemplary and exhausting forms-matters. It deals with the most gripping question in public life: "What is the right thing to do?" Bowman and West examine individual-centered and organization-focused ethics, applying ideas and ideals from both to contemporary dilemmas. The authors take on controversial issues-from whistle blowing incidents to corruption exposes-to explain how they arise and suggest what can be done about them. They start with the conceptual tools students need to evaluate an ethical dilemma, then analyze individual decision making strategies, and go on to assess institutional ethics programs. The emphasis is not only on the "how to," but also on the "why." The ultimate goal is to bolster students' confidence and prepare them for the ethical problems they will face in the future, by equipping them with the conceptual frameworks and context to approach thorny questions and behave ethically.
Reviews / Votes
Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities is superior to other ethics texts I've used -- I was hooked from the opening pages. Bowman and West do an admirable job of both building a coherent picture of ethical public management and providing students with a robust toolkit for making ethical decisions in a variety of settings. The authors thoroughly cover the essential topics and problems in public service ethics, and bring the theories and techniques of ethical management into sharp focus through compelling practical examples. Students are given ample opportunities to apply concepts and lessons from the text through a variety of well-developed exercises; case studies that illustrate real ethical problems confronting public managers bring the book's material to life. With its rich substantive content, current examples, and lively writing, this text is a compelling read and a welcome new development for public service ethics. -- Aaron Wachhaus Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities is a fabulous book. The overall coverage is terrific, especially in response to new challenges in public service. Bowman and West combine contemporary and timely research, issues, examples, and case studies; yet they also convey an awareness of the enduring ethical dilemmas at the heart of public service. The book has a nice blend of the theory and history of public service ethics, and includes practical strategies that will be very helpful to students as they build their way to an individualized approach to the challenges they face in their careers. A groundbreaking text. -- Kate Forhan Bowman and West's Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities speaks directly to the ethical issues faced by public sector managers. The book fits amazingly well with the way I teach ethics. The authors make a compelling argument for the study of ethics and effectively integrate their ideas throughout the book. The writing is lively and engaging, and will appeal to students and working professionals because it is not pretentious and pious-as are some works on the subject of ethics. The book's many strengths may be found in its well written exercises and study questions. This text encourages students to become reflective scholars, which fits hand-in-glove with my teaching style. -- Ramona Ortega-Liston Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities is a pleasure to read, and provides appropriately balanced coverage of the topic. Bowman and West's argument is persuasive, and the logical organization of their text clearly and effectively communicates the way public managers can use their understanding of personal ethics and societal ethics to build organizational ethics. I especially like their discussion of how "macro," "meso," and "micro" levels of ethical analysis relate to each other. Readers will find the book's analytic approach both engaging and illuminating. -- Dan Feldman Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities will serve as a great resource for my students. Bowman and West's approach to ethics is well developed and balanced, and evokes both reflection and analysis. The text is particularly strong on presenting empirical evidence of ethics practices and how effective or ineffective they are; and for buttressing pro and con positions on ethical issues. Discussions of moral development theory, corruption, and the ethics of elected and appointed officials -- topics that are usually not well developed in other ethics texts -- are especially valuable. The authors also offer many useful analytic tools and methods for engaging in ethical analysis, with numerous real-world examples and cases that effectively illustrate the key points in each chapter. -- Richard Green This book represents a considerable accomplishment in a field where there??? are inevitably many loose ends and where new ethical problems increasingly confront public of??ficials. It provides a coherent and integrated relationship between theory and practice, a framework for analysis, and illustrations of the way in which analytical tools may be employed to deal with ethical dilemmas. It makes a signi????ficant new contribution to the study of administrative ethics.??? -- Ian Scott, Department of Public Policy, City University of Hong KongMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Washington
United States
Publishing group
SAGE Publications Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 187 mm
Weight
607 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4522-7413-3 (9781452274133)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
James S. Bowman is a professor of public administration at the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University. Noted for this work in ethics and human resource management, Dr. Bowman is author of over 100 journal articles and book chapters, as well as editor of six anthologies. He is co-author of The Professional Edge: Competencies in Public Service (2nd ed., Sharpe, 2010) and Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities (CQ Press, 2015). For nearly two decades, he served as editor-in-chief of Public Integrity, a journal owned by the American Society for Public Administration. A past National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration Fellow, as well as a Kellogg Foundation Fellow, he has experience in the military, civil service, and business.
Jonathan P. West is a professor and chair of political science and director of the graduate public administration program at the University of Miami. His research interests include ethics, public administration, and human resource management. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters as well as nine books. He is co-author of Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Perspectives (CQ Press, 2015) American Politics and the Environment (2nd. Ed., SUNY Press, 2015) and The Professional Edge: Competencies in Public Service (2nd ed., Sharpe, 2010.) For nearly two decades he has been managing editor of the Public Integrity journal. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a management analyst in the Office of the Surgeon General.
Jonathan P. West is a professor and chair of political science and director of the graduate public administration program at the University of Miami. His research interests include ethics, public administration, and human resource management. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters as well as nine books. He is co-author of Public Service Ethics: Individual and Institutional Perspectives (CQ Press, 2015) American Politics and the Environment (2nd. Ed., SUNY Press, 2015) and The Professional Edge: Competencies in Public Service (2nd ed., Sharpe, 2010.) For nearly two decades he has been managing editor of the Public Integrity journal. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a management analyst in the Office of the Surgeon General.
Content
List of Tables, Figures, and Exhibits
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
I. Foundations of Public Service Ethics
1. Pertinence, Practicality, and Poppycock
Pertinence: Reasons to Study Ethics
Practicality: Commitment as a Privilege and Obligation
Poppycock: Myths About Ethics
Conclusion
Appendix 1.1 Personal Checklist
2. Perspectives on Ethics: Macro, Meso, Micro
Levels of Analysis
Contemporary Research on Levels of Ethics
Meso Level of Analysis: The Organization
Micro Level of Analysis: The Individual
Factors Influencing Meso-Micro Ethics
Conclusion
Case Study 2.1 The Pennsylvania State University Athletic Sex Abuse Scandal
3. Values, Ethics, and Dilemmas
Defining Values
Applying Values in Public Service
Defining Ethics
Domains of Human Action: Law vs. Free Choice
Case Study 3.1 Challenge the Leader
Social Forces Endangering Ethics
Case Study 3.2 Value Conflicts in World Affairs
Conclusion
II. Individual-Centered Approaches to Ethics
4. Moral Development Theory
Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory: A Rational Approach
Case Study 4.1 Applying Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
Milgram's Shock and Zimbardo's Prison Experiments: Ethics Under Pressure
Haidt's Social Intuitionalist Approach
Conclusion
5. Cognitive Ethics Methods: Result and Rule Problem-Solving Approaches
Approaches to Ethics
A Five-Stage Method for Analyzing Ethical Issues
Moral Courage
Case Study 5.1 Applying the Kew Gardens Principles
Applying the Five-stage Method: A Personal and Professional Conflict
Conclusion
Appendix 5.1 Sensitivity-Intensity Matrix Approach
Appendix 5.2 The Ethical Principles Approach
Case Study 5.2 Applying the Ethical Principles Approach: Playing Poker With a Vendor
Appendix 5.3 Line Drawing
Case Study 5.3 Applying the Line Drawing Method: A Questionable Gift
6. Virtue Theory
Comparing Cognitive and Virtue Ethics
The Vocabulary of Virtue
Habituation: The Formation of Character
Virtue Theory Strengths and Weaknesses
Case Study 6.1 Applying Rion's Ethical Decision-Making Framework: Probing the Conscience
Utility of Virtue Ethics for Managers: Challenge and Response
Conclusion
7. Conscious Deliberation and Subconscious Action: The Dishonesty of Honest People
Results, Rule, Virtue: Decision Making With the Ethics Triad
Utilizing the Ethics Triad
Case Study 7.1 The Ethics Triad: Applying the Rational Approach to a Birthday Invitation
Behavioral Ethics: What People Do vs. What They Say They Do
Conclusion
Appendix 7.1 Critiquing Student Case Analyses
III. Institutional Approaches to Ethics
8. Organizational Ethics
Types of Organizational Strategies
Ethical Infrastructure: Building Blocks in Ethics Management
Case Study 8.1 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: To Follow or Not to Follow Government Hiring Policy
Organizational Structure
Values Statements
Psychological Contracts
Oaths and Codes
Institutionalizing Ethics Cultural Competency
Conclusion
9. Corruption Control
Scope and Magnitude of Corruption Today
Defining Corruption
Causes of Corruption and Evolution of Anticorruption Strategies
Individual and Institutional Moral Failure
Scandals: Types and Impacts
Avenues for Reform
Case Study 9.1 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Public to Private Employment on Similar Work
Conclusion
10. Whistleblowing in Organizations
Significance of Whistleblowing
Case Study 10.1 Problem Solver or Trouble Maker?
Whistleblower Laws
Case Study 10.2 Applying Rational and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Cooking the Books
Dissent in Organizations
Case Study 10.3 The Silent Whistle
Case Study 10.4 Successful Whistleblowing
Trends in Blowing the Whistle
Conclusion
IV. Issues in Public Service Ethics
11. Ethics and Elected Officials
Case Study 11.1 Congressional Conflict of Interest
Case Study 11.2 Congressional Insider Trading
Ethics and Legislative Decision Making
Case Study 11.3 Robert Torricelli and the CIA
The Influence of Character and Roles on Elected Officials
Polarization of Politics and Ethical Implications
Negative Campaigning
The Problem of Dirty Hands
Case Study 11.4 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Interrogation Methods
Presidents and Truthfulness
The Influence of Citizens and the Media on Politicians
Case Study 11.5 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: A Transgender City Manager
Conclusion
Appendix 11.1 Ethics Committees
12. Organizational Gaming and Performance Measurement
Duplicity Pressures
Case Study 12.1 Organizational Cheating in Education
Types of Gaming
Cheating, Politicians, and Public Opinion
Ethically Evaluating and Minimizing Cheating
Case Study 12.2 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Electronic Surveillance in the Workplace
Conclusion
13. At-Will Employment
The Employment At-Will Doctrine
Applying the Ethics Triad to At-Will Employment
Summary and Conclusion
14. Open Government Case Study: Pay Disclosure
Trends and Tensions in Open Government
Background: Increasing Demand for Transparency
Applying the Ethics Triad to Pay Disclosure
Summary
Conclusion: Implementing Balance in Transparency Policy
V. Future History
15. Choices and Strategies for the Years Ahead
Moral Grandeur
Moral Decay
New Challenges
Guidelines for Ethical Conduct
Case Study 15.1 Applying Rational and Philosophical Ethics Approaches: Drones in Domestic Law Enforcement
Appendix 15.1 Sample Graduate Student Action Plan
Index
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
I. Foundations of Public Service Ethics
1. Pertinence, Practicality, and Poppycock
Pertinence: Reasons to Study Ethics
Practicality: Commitment as a Privilege and Obligation
Poppycock: Myths About Ethics
Conclusion
Appendix 1.1 Personal Checklist
2. Perspectives on Ethics: Macro, Meso, Micro
Levels of Analysis
Contemporary Research on Levels of Ethics
Meso Level of Analysis: The Organization
Micro Level of Analysis: The Individual
Factors Influencing Meso-Micro Ethics
Conclusion
Case Study 2.1 The Pennsylvania State University Athletic Sex Abuse Scandal
3. Values, Ethics, and Dilemmas
Defining Values
Applying Values in Public Service
Defining Ethics
Domains of Human Action: Law vs. Free Choice
Case Study 3.1 Challenge the Leader
Social Forces Endangering Ethics
Case Study 3.2 Value Conflicts in World Affairs
Conclusion
II. Individual-Centered Approaches to Ethics
4. Moral Development Theory
Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory: A Rational Approach
Case Study 4.1 Applying Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
Milgram's Shock and Zimbardo's Prison Experiments: Ethics Under Pressure
Haidt's Social Intuitionalist Approach
Conclusion
5. Cognitive Ethics Methods: Result and Rule Problem-Solving Approaches
Approaches to Ethics
A Five-Stage Method for Analyzing Ethical Issues
Moral Courage
Case Study 5.1 Applying the Kew Gardens Principles
Applying the Five-stage Method: A Personal and Professional Conflict
Conclusion
Appendix 5.1 Sensitivity-Intensity Matrix Approach
Appendix 5.2 The Ethical Principles Approach
Case Study 5.2 Applying the Ethical Principles Approach: Playing Poker With a Vendor
Appendix 5.3 Line Drawing
Case Study 5.3 Applying the Line Drawing Method: A Questionable Gift
6. Virtue Theory
Comparing Cognitive and Virtue Ethics
The Vocabulary of Virtue
Habituation: The Formation of Character
Virtue Theory Strengths and Weaknesses
Case Study 6.1 Applying Rion's Ethical Decision-Making Framework: Probing the Conscience
Utility of Virtue Ethics for Managers: Challenge and Response
Conclusion
7. Conscious Deliberation and Subconscious Action: The Dishonesty of Honest People
Results, Rule, Virtue: Decision Making With the Ethics Triad
Utilizing the Ethics Triad
Case Study 7.1 The Ethics Triad: Applying the Rational Approach to a Birthday Invitation
Behavioral Ethics: What People Do vs. What They Say They Do
Conclusion
Appendix 7.1 Critiquing Student Case Analyses
III. Institutional Approaches to Ethics
8. Organizational Ethics
Types of Organizational Strategies
Ethical Infrastructure: Building Blocks in Ethics Management
Case Study 8.1 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: To Follow or Not to Follow Government Hiring Policy
Organizational Structure
Values Statements
Psychological Contracts
Oaths and Codes
Institutionalizing Ethics Cultural Competency
Conclusion
9. Corruption Control
Scope and Magnitude of Corruption Today
Defining Corruption
Causes of Corruption and Evolution of Anticorruption Strategies
Individual and Institutional Moral Failure
Scandals: Types and Impacts
Avenues for Reform
Case Study 9.1 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Public to Private Employment on Similar Work
Conclusion
10. Whistleblowing in Organizations
Significance of Whistleblowing
Case Study 10.1 Problem Solver or Trouble Maker?
Whistleblower Laws
Case Study 10.2 Applying Rational and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Cooking the Books
Dissent in Organizations
Case Study 10.3 The Silent Whistle
Case Study 10.4 Successful Whistleblowing
Trends in Blowing the Whistle
Conclusion
IV. Issues in Public Service Ethics
11. Ethics and Elected Officials
Case Study 11.1 Congressional Conflict of Interest
Case Study 11.2 Congressional Insider Trading
Ethics and Legislative Decision Making
Case Study 11.3 Robert Torricelli and the CIA
The Influence of Character and Roles on Elected Officials
Polarization of Politics and Ethical Implications
Negative Campaigning
The Problem of Dirty Hands
Case Study 11.4 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Interrogation Methods
Presidents and Truthfulness
The Influence of Citizens and the Media on Politicians
Case Study 11.5 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: A Transgender City Manager
Conclusion
Appendix 11.1 Ethics Committees
12. Organizational Gaming and Performance Measurement
Duplicity Pressures
Case Study 12.1 Organizational Cheating in Education
Types of Gaming
Cheating, Politicians, and Public Opinion
Ethically Evaluating and Minimizing Cheating
Case Study 12.2 Applying Philosophical and Behavioral Ethics Approaches: Electronic Surveillance in the Workplace
Conclusion
13. At-Will Employment
The Employment At-Will Doctrine
Applying the Ethics Triad to At-Will Employment
Summary and Conclusion
14. Open Government Case Study: Pay Disclosure
Trends and Tensions in Open Government
Background: Increasing Demand for Transparency
Applying the Ethics Triad to Pay Disclosure
Summary
Conclusion: Implementing Balance in Transparency Policy
V. Future History
15. Choices and Strategies for the Years Ahead
Moral Grandeur
Moral Decay
New Challenges
Guidelines for Ethical Conduct
Case Study 15.1 Applying Rational and Philosophical Ethics Approaches: Drones in Domestic Law Enforcement
Appendix 15.1 Sample Graduate Student Action Plan
Index