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dpa_8408_unit_2_learning_concepts.docUNIT 2
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· Unit 2 Morality And Ethics
INTRODUCTION
Morality, loosely defined as conformity to the right human conduct, is often associated with ethics and virtue. If one behaves morally, he or she is also behaving ethically. The issue then becomes not how to behave morally, but what right human conduct actually is. Once right is determined, we face the issue of how to teach someone to be ethical. Is this a trait that we are born with, or can we train someone to be ethical? Rohr (1998) maintained that there was an even more complex issue afoot in public administration ethics—the representation of values. A public administrator must also learn to represent the values of the public that he or she serves, not just his or her own values-based ethics. Morality, ethics, and values then become a mixture of individual perspectives, organizational codes, and societal norms and mores, and the various factors could be in conflict in some situations.
TOGGLE DRAWERHIDE FULL INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will explore ethics theories that apply to the field of public administration by examining some of the foundational origins of ethics, as well as similarities and differences in ethical concepts as derived across millennia. You will be asked to connect to your own inherent values and use them to create your own model of ethics for your personal use in the field of public administration. By applying your own values in this way, you will prepare yourself for acting in an even higher level of professional integrity.
References
Rohr, J. A. (1998). Public service, ethics and constitutional practice. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas Press.
OBJECTIVES
To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:
1. Assess the foundations of morality and its relationship to ethics in the public administration field.
2. Analyze an example of ethics in the public sector, specific to interactions with our global environment.
3. Examine an ethical dilemma with which you are familiar, in preparation for later analysis in the course.
· LEARNING ACTIVITIES
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[u02s1] Unit 2 Study 1
Studies
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What Answers Do I Need? |
Launch Presentation | Transcript
Reading
In your Thiroux and Krasemann text, read Chapter 1, "The Nature of Morality," pages 1–29.
Remember that you can access this reading on iGuide or by opening your downloaded VitalSource Bookshelf application.
Presentation
Public administrators face many different types of ethical dilemmas. The questions we must raise to determine an appropriate course of action are not always clear. To help you decide on appropriate courses of action in ethical dilemmas, click on Launch Presentation to view "What Answers Do I Need?" You will use this information for this unit's assignment.
Discussion Preparation
Locate at least three peer-reviewed sources that help you to understand and compare the terms ethics, morality, and values for use in a discussion in this unit.
Mindmap
Add to your ethics mindmap based on the theories and practices that you learn about this week. As a reminder, you will add to this mindmap in each unit and submit it to your instructor in Unit 8.
Defining an Ethical Dilemma
Resources
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Defining an Ethical Dilemma Scoring Guide
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For the final project in this course, you will examine in detail a public service ethical dilemma. It must be in the public sector, so it must involve government and its structure and functions. The dilemma may be one that you have faced yourself, or one that you believe you may face as you continue in your career, or something that you have perceived as an ethical dilemma that no one is addressing. Ideas can come from the presentation in this unit as well.
In 2–3 pages (not including references or cover page), describe the nature of the ethical dilemma you have chosen. Explain why you believe it is an ethical dilemma, and describe any initial solutions that come to mind. Support your analysis from the text, from other peer-reviewed sources, and as appropriate to explain the dilemma, from the popular press. Please cite all of your sources used, and prepare your assignment in correct APA format in a Word document that you will attach in the assignment area. Be sure to review the scoring guide for each assignment to understand how it will be graded.
Morals and Values
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Discussion Participation Scoring Guide
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Ethics, morality, and values are often used interchangeably, yet the terms have very different meanings. Using the text and at least three other peer-reviewed sources, define the three terms, and provide examples from the work environment of a public administrator. Argue which term is most important when considering the provision of public services and the individual public administrator's role in that work.
Response Guidelines
Read your peers' posts and respond to at least one, respectfully debating your peer's selection of the most important term and his or her reasoning for its selection. Remember that in any debate, respect for each person's viewpoint is paramount to exhibiting professional integrity as a public administrator.
Ethics and the Environment
Resources
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Discussion Participation Scoring Guide
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Some have argued that our treatment of the environment is a violation of ethics on a number of levels: taking from others the right to clean air and water, reducing our resources; and causing permanent damage that cannot be repaired. Using ethics, morality, and values as your guide, make your own case for or against this viewpoint. Use science and its interpretation to help argue your point, and describe the ethics of its inclusion as well.
Response Guidelines
Read your peers' posts and respond to at least one, respectfully debating your peer's interpretation of ethics as applied to our treatment of the environment. Compare his or her position to your own and examine ways to find common ground when viewpoints differ.
