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cjustice
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Posted: Sun Aug 30th, 2009 05:42 pm | 1st Post |
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All Union Institute and University Fall 2009
(Includes Session I, Session II and Semester Learners)
You must make two posts to receive full credit. One original post and one response to a classmate.
For this discussion you will need to look at two webpages:
The Six Pillars of Character
http://josephsoninstitute.org/MED/MED-2sixpillars.html
Naval Inspector General on Conflict of Interest
http://www.ig.navy.mil/Complaints/Complaints%20%20(Conflicts%20of%20Interests).htm
Question: Conflicts of interest are common in human interaction. For the first part of the question, why are conflicts of interest particularly troublesome in government service? 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? And, why?
Last edited on Sun Aug 30th, 2009 05:43 pm by cjustice
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rgasiorunion
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Posted: Wed Sep 16th, 2009 01:54 am | 2nd Post |
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Conflicts of interest are particularly troublesome in government service for several reasons. Generally, any employee of a government, whether it be municpal or federal is looked upon as a representative of that agency. If corruption exists at one level it may exist throughout. Also, the general interests of the public as a whole could be jeapordized if corruption or fevoritism exist.
I believe the general overview of ethical character traits is more useful as a reminder for government officials to hold themselves to a higher standard than members of the general public.
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rmarinounion
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Posted: Thu Sep 24th, 2009 04:04 am | 3rd Post |
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Any kind of conflict involving the government sector, either a local municipal or federal agency is troublesome. If the conflict is not viewed favorably by the public then the agency is viewed in a negative way.
Corruption can be at all levels and equally damageable to all members of that agency and also to members of the City government. As a leader in any public agency, employees as well as the general public look at the traits of that leader and department in order for guidance and leadership.
I agree with rgasior analogy of one's ethical character and how a government official needs to hold them to a higher standard. It is crucial for agency to have moral and ethical codes of conduct to achieve this goal.
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rgasiorunion
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Posted: Sat Sep 26th, 2009 02:34 am | 4th Post |
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| One need only open the newspaper on any given day to see the damage that corruption scandals have on any government agency.
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retempleunion
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Posted: Wed Oct 7th, 2009 02:18 am | 5th Post |
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Conflicts of Interests in any governmental agency (especially L.E.) can be the source of causing the complete and utter devastation to that agency. In today's society the public and the media are like sharks when a scandal erupts. The fact that human nature is flawed will not suffice, leaders in organizations have to deal with this fact, this is just the way it is. Lead by example and expect the rest to follow.
I agree with the other posts regarding the general overview of ethical character traits being a critical foundation for our leaders to build upon. If they fail to lead and do not provide the examples and guidlines, it will just be a matter of time before something bad hapopens for some agency or community.
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jkeenunion
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Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 09:14 pm | 6th Post |
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Conflicts of interests are extremely devastating in government service because they can effect so many people and societies. It's extremely disheartening to see corruption played out, often hurting many and helping only a few.
I believe a leader must know and be reminded of a general overview of ethical character traits, as well as the consequences of making unethical decisions.
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jkeenunion
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Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 09:19 pm | 7th Post |
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Retemple,
I agree that leading by example must be the mindset of those in power. Leaders must behave themselves and exhibit good moral and ethical behavior.
jkeen
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Jperezunion
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Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 03:29 am | 8th Post |
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Marine Corp it is easy for me to understand and point out different conflicts that may arise with the government. When you work for the government you are trusted with information that is confidential and for you to keep. If that information is shared with the media there could be a security breach. Taking bribes from other countries or the media to gain information would be considered a conflict of interest for that individual.
Government Official should follow all ethical traits to be successful leaders. Having integrity is one of the leadership traits that all thriving leaders should have. When you have integrity you don’t need anyone supervising because you will always do the right thing.Last edited on Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 03:31 am by Jperezunion
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Jperezunion
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Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 03:39 am | 9th Post |
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jkee,
I do agree that there are government officials that violate their confidentiality for the gain of their selves. I also agree that government officials should constantly should take refresher courses on ethics and their commitment to the united states. That way they do not jeopardize or put themselves in a conflict of interest.
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retempleunion
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Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 06:31 pm | 10th Post |
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| Everyone makes great points and great observations about ethics and the costs of when it is compromised. But this is where the rubber meets the road for all of us. We are all here taking these courses as we move forward in efforts to be leaders. I hope we all remember what we have said here, it will benefit us, our organizations, and those we will lead! I wish you all the best! If learning is changed behavior I will do my best to continue learning and in turn teach and guide others in order to preserve our calling.
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RAvelsArcadia
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Posted: Tue Nov 3rd, 2009 09:10 am | 11th Post |
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Law enforcement officials are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard. I think conflicts of interest are troublesome in any government agency because of the overwhelming scrutiny imposed by the public. This does not mean the public shouldn’t scrutinize the decisions; they just need to realize we are all human and humans are fallible. With that being said, law enforcement officers/managers need to make decisions in which personal benefit is removed and the best interest of the public is in mind.
I think a well balanced set of ethical character traits is the foundation for making the right decisions during conflicts of interest. Caring would be the number one trait that would be the most useful to a leader. Caring provides a leader with a sense of connectedness to the outcome/impact of his decisions for all involved. A leader must be attentive to his decisions, making the best possible choice, knowing that he can not please everyone.
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jmaddoxarcadia410
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Posted: Tue Nov 3rd, 2009 02:15 pm | 12th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are particulary troublesome in government agencies because those individuals are constantly under a microscope and there are higher expectations and standards that they are held too. Knowing this, individuals in these positions must realize the consequences of putting themselves in a conflict of interest position. Although people make mistakes because they are human, the public isn't always willing to recognize that and realize that unfortunately sometimes things like this happen because people allow their morals and ethics to flounder.
I believe a general overview of ethical character traits is most important especially at the highest level of government. These are the leaders that should be setting the example for their subordinates through their actions. The leaders must realize that their actions set the tone for the organization and they will be looked at by the way they conduct themselves.
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jmichel arcadia
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Posted: Sat Nov 7th, 2009 03:36 am | 13th Post |
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Conflicts of interest will always be an area of concern in relation to government service, especially due to the potential exposure of such violations to the public. Government employees are held to a higher standard due to the nature of their positions. The expectations of society are also indicative of a belief that the government should know there is clear line drawn between right and wrong in relation to conflicts of interest, and those who error should be held accountable. Because of this standard, one incident involving a poor decision made by an employee in government service (related to this issue), may impact the rest of government with severe consequences.
Ethical character traits are the essential foundation for every great leader and government employee. A government employee armed with these traits, can greatly diminish the potential to fall suspect to an incident involving a conflict of interest violation. Anyone who thinks of a true leader from their past, would likely be able attach each of the traits through a positive context related to that individual. I believe caring would be the trait that would be the most beneficial for a leader to possess. The caring leader is capable of making informed decisions, yet remains compassionate. This trait enables the leader to meet the needs of the organization, while still being aware of the goal when the necessary action is taken.
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jmichel arcadia
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Posted: Sat Nov 7th, 2009 03:50 am | 14th Post |
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Robert,
I'd have to agree with your explanation related to public scrutiny. Sometimes employees make poor decisions and the public leaves little room error based on their expectations, not realizing we are all human.
Jmichel arcadia
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rwinick331245
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Posted: Sat Nov 7th, 2009 08:58 am | 15th Post |
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Sometimes conflicts of interest have to do with value systems. Everyone has their own value system or philosophy and it can sometimes be offensive to others. In order to eliminate or minimize conflict it is better to incoperate principles. Principles are fundamentally accepted rules of action or conduct. It is better to limit your opinions and use principle based leadership.
I think being fair and honest are the most important. Both of these if utilized will also gain a leader respect and trust.
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rwinick331245
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Posted: Sat Nov 7th, 2009 09:03 am | 16th Post |
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| I have read several of the replies and agree with many of them. It comes down to common sense, good decision making and ultimately doing what is right. Do the right thing.
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DSchindlerUnion
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Posted: Sun Nov 8th, 2009 03:28 am | 17th Post |
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When explaining why I think conflicts of interest are troublesome in government service I refer back to the Six Pillars of Character. It's an issue of trustworthiness and fairness. When confronted with a conflict of interest, - the public's perception is that their government is not trustworthy and does not treat everyone fair.
The Six Pillars of Character are the most important to government leaders. They encompass, not only the conflict of interest issues, but a whole lot more of the the traits that the public expects from their government.
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DSchindlerUnion
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Posted: Sun Nov 8th, 2009 03:39 am | 18th Post |
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jkeen,
Agreed - So many of our managers forget that they are looked at as leaders, not only by the public, but also by the line-level. It cannot be seen as, "do as I say, not as I do".
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artc@arcadia
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Posted: Sun Nov 8th, 2009 07:59 am | 19th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are particularly troublesome in government service because those in government positions serve the general public. Whether the government official is elected or hired (member of congress, the US President, police officer etc.), he or she is expected to behave in a moral and trustworthy way. However, there are government officials the CHOOSE to make self righteous decisions and destroy everything they have worked so hard to achieve. In essence, they CHOOSE to discredit themselves, their family and the organization they represent. Not only do they tarnish their specific organization, but he/she discredits every organization in his/her profession (e.g. Los Angeles PD - Rampart).
Give me a leader that employs the general overview of ethical character traits and I'll show you a successful leader. Not only a leader that does the right thing, but a leader that teaches the right thing. I agree that a leader needs to lead by example; however, I would take it a step further and say a leader has to teach by example as well. Leaders have more of an opportunity to teach the six pillars of character than they have to show it. More often than not, subordinates are on their own making their own decisions, leading only themselves and their co-workers. Without a good foundation of ethical knowledge and behavior set forth by their leader, there is a much higher risk of making an unethical decision. This can lead to the down fall of an individual, team, unit or department.
Last edited on Sun Nov 8th, 2009 08:25 am by artc@arcadia
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artc@arcadia
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Posted: Sun Nov 8th, 2009 08:15 am | 20th Post |
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jmichel,
Great comments. I would agree that "Caring" is one of the more valued pillars of character. I also believe that "Trustworthiness" encompasses so many character traits as outlined in the Six Pillars of Character that it sets the foundation for a great 360 degree leader.
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