Managing Ethics
DO's...
- Do understand that some actions fall into the “gray area” of ethics — the gap between being in technical compliance with the rules and meeting the public’s and media’s expectations for public officials.
- Do reduce the likelihood of ethical breaches by developing clear written policies on how staff should handle common ethical issues.
- Do recognize that the Member sets the ethical tone in the office. The way the Member balances competing ethical and political concerns will set an example for the staff’s behavior.
- Do examine every ethics rule with an eye to understanding its underlying principle. Knowing these basic, fundamental principles will help you navigate situations as they arise.
- Do be aware of the five areas where you may be at greatest risk of a breach of ethics:
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- inappropriate behavior.
- balancing official duties with campaign and political work.
- meals and travel.
- handling family members and campaign contributors.
- the extent to which you can assist constituents with problems they are having with federal agencies.
DON'Ts...
- Don't ignore new and higher standards for ethical behavior. If you are guilty of only the “appearance of impropriety,” there can be an outcry from the public and media.
- Don't assume that smart, honest people will always make correct ethical judgments. Most ethical judgments rest on an individual’s ability to weigh competing values.
- Don't forget to check with the ethics committees early and often with any questions. Committee staff can discuss the relevant rules, laws and underlying ethical principles with you on a confidential basis.
Details
Copyright 2020, Congressional Management Foundation
Paperback/Softcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Congressional Management Foundation; 17th edition (November 3, 2020)
ISBN: 978-1-930473-24-9
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
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