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kflorendoArcadia410
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 02:17 am | 41st Post |
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DSchindler,
I agree with your post. As government leaders/officials, I believe we should always refer back to those ethical character traits when faced with challenges and tough decisions. We as leaders have to take that extra step because it could make a devastating effect on us as people and the governement we represent.
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CCuffUnion
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 07:05 am | 42nd Post |
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| I think I need to expound on what I mean by fairness as it relates to the law enforcement supervisor, specifically when dealing with punishment. Of course unions would like to have everyone treated equally for a given transgression, however I know that is not always possible. Punishment should be commensurate with the transgression while also taking into account the history and background of the officer. What I mean by fair, is someone who is consistent. Officers readily recognize someone who acts in an arbitrary and capricious manner. Oftentimes officers do equate fairness with equality, however that correlation is not what I intended.
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erosalesunion
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Posted: Wed Nov 18th, 2009 04:46 am | 43rd Post |
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| I agree with what most people posted. Government officials should always be ethical in every sense imaginable, especially since they are always being watched.
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erosalesunion
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Posted: Wed Nov 18th, 2009 05:02 am | 44th Post |
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1.Why are conflicts of interest particularly troublesome in government service?
When most think of a government employee they tend to think of someone who is very educated and full of integrity. However, others do not view government officials in the same way. they see them as corrupt, selfish people that steal money from the American people. It is sad to see how people tend to punish all for the mistakes of a few.
2.Second, of the two (a general overview of ethical character traits and a specific statement about conflicts of interest) which is the most useful to a leader in government service?
Having integrity is by far one of the most important traits a government employee can have. Being able to know that he/she has always done what is expected by the employer will make them feel good at the end of every day. They may at times be tempted to do the wrong thing but as long as they don't they will never have anything to worry about.
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jponce-arcadia
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Posted: Thu Nov 19th, 2009 06:26 pm | 45th Post |
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I agree with you Ken, because of our positions we are expected to resist any form of temptation and corruption. The public as well as our peers expect nothing short of that. Why some deviate from ethics and morals, I dont know? I strongly believe that "greed" has some part in it. I would like to see more research and training conducted in this area so that we can minimize those occurrences.
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jponce-arcadia
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Posted: Thu Nov 19th, 2009 07:04 pm | 46th Post |
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1. Our positions require that we lead by example. Standards placed on us are much higher than others and we are expected to resist greed and temptation. As leaders, I strongly believe that we bring balance to society. When we violate that by doing wrong, our principles, ethics, morals, honesty and trust that we have worked effortlessly to attain is damaged severely. When society sees corrupt officials, that may in fact encourage corrupt behavior. Our positions as officials come with great responsibilities. We are human and subject to mistakes however, due to our positions we have to rise above any and all temptations to dishonor all that we have worked to achieve. Greed has no boundaries, anyone can fall victim to its wrath. We must remain focused and remember our pledges that we made when we chose our profession.
2. As a leader, I would hope that my actions would speak for themselves. I really think that a great deal of people want to do good. By leading a life bounded by principles and honesty, I want to inspire others to do so as well. In the old days, an agreement followed by a handshake was honored, not the same today. Instilling a sense of pride in who you are, one that others will see and follow is my goal as a leader.
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jclaytonjr
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Posted: Fri Nov 20th, 2009 09:35 am | 47th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are troublesome in government services because it tarnishes the values that we hold true both morally and ethically. Our government services (law enforcement)has always been built on the foundations of trust. Conflict of interest only breaks down that foundations of service and leaves it open for corruption and calamity.
In reading the ethical character traits it is exactly what we expect from government services. Conflict of interest only services as a stumbling block where as ethical character traits are used as stepping stones to build an organization. To sum it up when we use good ethical character traits you will make good decisions. When you make ethical decisions you are unlikely to be influenced by conflicts of interest.
- Clayton
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jclaytonjr
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Posted: Fri Nov 20th, 2009 09:49 am | 48th Post |
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| I agree with erosalesunion, integrity is important. To go back to what I said earlier trust is very important and as public servants it is vital. The public must be able to trust us without it we are no use to the community.
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jmoroso
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Posted: Mon Nov 23rd, 2009 03:36 am | 49th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are troublesome in government because a government employees' first duty is service to the public. Conflicts of interest favor the government employee or official and not the public, thus shorting out the taxpaying public of the best services available to them. When these conflicts are found and made public, they destroy the public's trust of that government entity and effect moral and productivity within the organization.
Of the two, ethical character traits and a specific statement about conflicts of interest, the character traits are more important. Conflicts of interest are of an ethical concern. A leader having good ethical character traits will already have the value system in place to stay away from such conduct. An effective leader leads by example so that others will follow. That being so, their subordinates will follow their lead and also stay away from such conflicts.
<- Anyone know what a "mana'' is?Last edited on Mon Nov 23rd, 2009 03:38 am by jmoroso
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jmoroso
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Posted: Mon Nov 23rd, 2009 03:44 am | 50th Post |
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Interesting point, jponce.
Greed is the basis for these conflicts. Interestingly enough, it does not matter if you are a police officer is some 2-horse town, having to supplement your income with food stamps or a Senator with all of the power and perks that come along with the position. Greed and selfishness are usually at the root of these conflicts.
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rburkeunion
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Posted: Mon Nov 23rd, 2009 06:44 am | 51st Post |
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Conflicts of interest are troublesome in the government service for many different reasons. One particular could be because of the effect they have on non-controlling parties. When these conflicts take place within the government, municipal or federal, how does the affected (non-controlling party) handle it and who can they turn to for assistance? If the pillars of character are in question at the government level, who then can you trust and turn to...
General overview is more useful to a leader in government service because it could be used as a form of a "Rule Book". When a political or governmental decision is made it should fit within the formula of the "Rule Book" of ethical character traits.
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rburkeunion
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Posted: Mon Nov 23rd, 2009 06:52 am | 52nd Post |
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I like what jmoroso has to say. It coincides with what I'm trying to say with regard to who is directly affected or even indirectly from "conflicts of interest". This may not be in the best interest for those individuals so then why would somebody be in the business of helping others if they are making decisions that are more for personal gain...
If we could lead by example then things would always be easy. Trouble is, finding the right individuals to lead by example seems to be the daunting task...
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SMuellerBrea410
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Posted: Wed Nov 25th, 2009 10:00 pm | 53rd Post |
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Conflicts of interest are extremely detrimental for government officials. As a public servant everything you do is scrutenized by everyone, including peers and superiors as well as the public. The slight appearance of a conflict of interest generates distrust even if no wrong doing has happened.
The Six Pillars of Character is important for all to learn and live by, but even more so for government officials because they (we) are held to a higher standard than than the average person. We all need to do the right thing, for the right reason, all the time.
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SMuellerBrea410
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Posted: Wed Nov 25th, 2009 10:02 pm | 54th Post |
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| Government officials should always be ethical because it is the right thing to do.
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nunu
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Posted: Sat Nov 28th, 2009 04:38 am | 55th Post |
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criminal ethical issues are very interesting to me and the concern about this will always be of interest to everyone in law enforcement.
chari-
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dnicholsbrea410
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Posted: Sat Nov 28th, 2009 11:42 pm | 56th Post |
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Government officials, whether you are the Mayor, Chief of Police or the line-level officer are responsible to the people they serve. The responsibility to have high ethical standards is assumed by the public and government violates these standards with unfortunate regularity. Government officials have an oath and conflict of interest is one they have sworn to avoid. Trust is compromised with conflict of interest.
The most useful ethical character trait for a leader is trust. The public trusts that we will do the right thing when "no one is looking." It is about making sound decisions with common sense and employing strong ethical standards, whether or not the boss or the local news station is watching. A leader without trust will not be able to make proper decisions with the support of the people.
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dnicholsbrea410
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Posted: Sat Nov 28th, 2009 11:46 pm | 57th Post |
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| Simone, I agree that "conflict of interest" is detrimental to government officials. The issue of trust commonly comes into the picture when a government official is caught in the mdist of a "conflict of interest" scandal. It is typically in the media and gives a negative light to a profession we are trying to protect.
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cralphunion
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Posted: Sun Nov 29th, 2009 01:25 pm | 58th Post |
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Employees of government agencies, state, federal, and municipal, are placed in positions of trust. Violations of trust, including gratuities, favoritism, corruption, and misconduct soil our reputations. We are held to a higher standard in both our professional and private lives. We took an oath to protect and service the public. Our disloyalty violates that oath.
Michael Josephson's Six Pillars of Character remind us of what we look for in leaders. Of the six, Trustworthiness and Caring are perhaps the most important character traits. Honesty, integrity, and truly caring about people are traits of a charismatic leader.
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cralphunion
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Posted: Sun Nov 29th, 2009 01:40 pm | 59th Post |
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Jmoroso,
I think you are absolutely correct when you talk about government employees being in a position of trust. If the community we serve cannot trust us we are basically ineffective. Conflicts of interest can be avoided if decisions are made by first asking 'who will be affected by this decision, is it legal, and is it fair.'
I certainly wish all leaders had integrity, and a solid set of core values. Perhaps they start out that way, but so many misplace them along the way. A leader who remains trustworthy and cares about his people, is a leader worth following.
Last edited on Sun Nov 29th, 2009 01:42 pm by cralphunion
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mvillanuevaunionbrea
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Posted: Sun Nov 29th, 2009 07:58 pm | 60th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are particularly troublesome in our government because government officials should always have the peoples' best interests in mind when making decisions; however, because of conflicts of interest officials have their own interests in mind which can lead to scandal and ethical issues.
Having ethical character traits in the most important thing a leader can possess. If a leader is ethical everything he does should follow that path. Leaders have to lead by example. If a leader is unethical the group he is leading will become that way also. Eventually everything the group stands for and is trying to accomplish will fail. In government service you are a voice of the community, you serve the community and are entrusted with their voice. Having ethical traits is so much more important in that arena because of the trust given to you by the people.
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