Personal & Organizational Integrity Flashcards

The primary purpose of a code of ethics in a public agency is to:

Answer: Provide clear guidance for employee behavior aligned with public trust

An ethics code articulates behavioral standards that reinforce public trust and guide decision-making.

When a manager faces an ethical dilemma with no clear policy guidance, the BEST approach is to:

Answer: Apply the 'newspaper front page' test and consult an ethics officer

Asking whether an action would withstand public scrutiny and seeking expert guidance helps navigate ambiguous ethical situations.

Which of the following is an example of 'mission creep' threatening organizational integrity?

Answer: Gradually diverting program funds to activities outside the authorized mission

Using resources for unauthorized purposes violates the trust placed in the organization and the legal boundaries of its mandate.

A subordinate approaches a manager with evidence of safety violations being covered up by senior leadership. The manager should FIRST:

Answer: Assess the credibility of the evidence and identify the appropriate reporting channel

Evaluating evidence and identifying the correct reporting channel ensures the allegation is handled appropriately and protects all parties.

Integrity-based leadership differs from compliance-based leadership primarily because it:

Answer: Motivates ethical conduct through shared values rather than rules alone

Integrity-based leadership builds internalized commitment to ethical behavior, going beyond minimum compliance.

A public manager who uses their official position to benefit a personal business venture is violating which principle?

Answer: The prohibition against using public office for private gain

Using official authority for personal financial benefit is a fundamental breach of public trust and ethics law.

Which action BEST demonstrates organizational accountability in a public agency?

Answer: Publishing performance results and corrective action plans openly

Transparency about both successes and failures, along with corrective plans, demonstrates genuine accountability.