The Ethics Challenge in Public Service A Problem-Solving Guide

by Lewis, Carol W.; Gilman, Stuart C.

• ISBN13: 9780787967567
• ISBN10: 0787967564
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-03-11
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Since it was first published in 1991, "The Ethics Challenge in Public Service has become a classic text used by public managers and in public management programs across the country. This second edition is filled with practical tools and techniques for making ethical choices in the ambiguous, pressured world of public service. It explores the day-to-day ethical dilemmas managers face in their work, including what to do when rules recommend one action and compassion another, and whether it is ethical to dissent from agency policy. This essential text explores managers' accountability to different stakeholders and how to balance the often competing responsibilities.

Author Biography

Carol W. Lewis is professor of political science at the University of Connecticut. She is a consultant and trainer for public agencies and professional organizations at the local, regional, state, national, and international levels.

Stuart C. Gilman is a consultant in Washington, D.C., working with state government and federal agencies, for large corporations and nonprofit organizations, as well as multinational organizations. He is a former senior executive with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and professor at the Federal Executive Institute.

Table of Contents

Exhibits, Tables, and Figures.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

The Authors.

Introduction: Ethics in Public Service.

PART ONE: ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC MANAGERS.

1 What Is Important in Public Service?

2 Obeying and Implementing the Law.

3 Serving the Public Interest.

4 Taking Individual Responsibility.

PART TWO: TOOLS FOR PERSONAL DECISION MAKING.

5 Finding Solid Ground: Ethical Standards and Reasoning.

6 Resolving Ethical Dilemmas: Strategies and Tactics for Managers.

7 Understanding Who and What Matters: Stakeholder Analysis.

PART THREE: ETHICS AND THE ORGANIZATION.

8 Designing and Implementing Codes.

9 Broadening the Horizon.

10 Building an Ethical Agency.

Afterword: The Job Ahead.

Resource A: Chronology of Theoretical and Applied Ethics in Public Service (Work in Process).

Resource B: Selected Internet Resources.

Resource C: Tools for Making Ethical Decisions.

References.

Name Index.

Subject Index.