9.1 Ethical Frameworks in Public Service

Ethical frameworks guide public servants in making tough decisions. Utilitarianism focuses on outcomes, while deontology emphasizes moral rules. Virtue ethics stresses character, and moral reasoning helps analyze dilemmas. These approaches shape how officials navigate complex ethical landscapes.

Public service ethics revolve around serving the public interest and maintaining trust. Codes of ethics outline expected behavior, while professional integrity ensures accountability. Public servants face challenges like ethical dilemmas and whistleblowing, balancing individual rights with the greater good.

Ethical Frameworks

Utilitarianism and Deontology

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• Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions and seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people (greatest good for the greatest number)
• Utilitarianism relies on the principle of utility, which states that an action is right if it produces the greatest amount of good for the most people
• Deontology emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions based on moral rules or duties, regardless of the consequences (Kantian ethics)
• Deontological theories hold that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, and that individuals have a moral obligation to act in accordance with these rules (categorical imperative)

Virtue Ethics and Moral Reasoning

• Virtue ethics focuses on the moral character of the individual rather than the rightness or wrongness of specific actions
• Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous character traits such as honesty, compassion, and integrity (Aristotelian ethics)
• Moral reasoning involves the process of analyzing and resolving ethical dilemmas by applying ethical principles and theories
• Moral reasoning requires considering multiple perspectives, weighing the consequences of actions, and making decisions based on sound ethical principles (ethical decision-making models)

Public Service Ethics

Public Service Ethos and Code of Ethics

• The public service ethos refers to the values, principles, and norms that guide the behavior of public servants
• The public service ethos emphasizes the importance of serving the public interest, maintaining impartiality, and upholding democratic values (public trust)
• A code of ethics is a set of principles and standards that outline the expected behavior and conduct of public servants
• Codes of ethics provide guidance on issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and the use of public resources (Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch)

Professional Integrity and Public Trust

• Professional integrity refers to the adherence to ethical principles and standards in the conduct of one's professional duties
• Public servants are expected to demonstrate honesty, objectivity, and accountability in their work (transparency)
• Public trust is the confidence that the public has in the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions and public servants
• Maintaining public trust requires public servants to act in the public interest, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure the proper use of public resources (stewardship)

Ethical Challenges

Ethical Dilemmas and Whistleblowing

• Ethical dilemmas arise when public servants face situations where there are conflicting moral obligations or principles at stake
• Resolving ethical dilemmas requires careful consideration of the competing values and interests involved, as well as the potential consequences of different courses of action (balancing individual rights and public good)
• Whistleblowing refers to the act of disclosing wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical behavior within an organization
• Whistleblowers play an important role in promoting accountability and integrity in public service, but may face retaliation or negative consequences for speaking out (Whistleblower Protection Act)
• Public servants have a moral obligation to report unethical or illegal conduct, but must also consider the potential risks and consequences of whistleblowing (loyalty to the organization vs. duty to the public)