Chapter 8: Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration

Case Study: Richard Nuccio and the CIA

• Richard Nuccio, a special advisor to President Clinton, dealt with ethical dilemmas related to the CIA's activities in Guatemala.
• Discovered a CIA asset was implicated in murders, leading to a moral dilemma.
• Chose to inform Rep. Robert Torricelli, resulting in exposure and subsequent investigation.
• Faced consequences for bypassing superiors, lost security clearance, and ended his government career.
• Highlights the murky line between 'wrongdoing' and 'disagreement' in ethics.

Ethics in Public Administration

Importance

• Public administration implements public policies and manages resources.
• Upholding ethics ensures integrity, transparency, and fairness.

Principles of Ethics

• Integrity: Honesty and alignment with public interests.
• Accountability: Responsibility for decisions, learning from mistakes.
• Impartiality and Fairness: Equality and merit-based decisions.
• Transparency: Openness in processes and decision-making.
• Respect for Rule of Law: Adherence to legal standards.
• Public Interest: Prioritizing citizens' welfare.
• Competence: Skill and knowledge in fulfilling roles.
• Stewardship: Responsible management of resources.

Ethical Frameworks

• Personal Morality: Based on individual history and experiences.
• Professional Ethics: Set by professional bodies, formalized norms.
• Organizational Ethics: Culture within institutions, guided by laws and regulations.
• Social Ethics: Actions that safeguard and benefit society, formal or informal.

Government and Transparency

• Government in the Sunshine Act: Ensures open government meetings, promotes accountability and trust.
• Transparency deters corruption, fosters informed decision-making.

Ethical Challenges and Lapses

Common Ethical Issues

1. Misuse of Public Funds: Example - Brett Favre in Mississippi welfare scandal.
2. Bribery and Corruption: Example - Puerto Rican officials accepting bribes.
3. Conflict of Interest: Example - Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo.
4. Whistleblower Retaliation: Example - North Dakota DEQ and public water concerns.
5. Nepotism and Favoritism: Example - East Lansing's anti-nepotism law.
6. Data Privacy Violations: Example - Donald Trump with classified documents.
7. Abuse of Power: Example - Rod Blagojevich in Illinois.
8. Misrepresentation: Example - Rep. George Santos' false statements.

Ethical Leadership

• Ethical leaders set examples, articulate values, and encourage accountability.
• Promote open communication and address ethical challenges.
• Reward ethical behavior and provide ethical training and development.

Frameworks and Codes of Conduct

• Formal Codes: Provide clear expectations, prevent misconduct, encourage accountability.
• Fourteen Principles for Federal Employees: Set standards for ethical conduct.
• Challenges include cultural differences, lack of awareness, and external pressures.

Promoting Accountability

• Public Reporting and Audits: Ensure transparency, build trust.
• Technological Tools: Offer opportunities for real-time accountability.

Summary

• Ethical standards in public administration include personal, professional, organizational, and social ethics.
• Transparency and accountability are key to trust in government.
• Oversight by elected representatives ensures ethical governance.