Ethical Management

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission

LEAD Class 2014

Ethical Management

Tom O’Rourke, CPRP Executive Director Charleston County

Park and Recreation Commission

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


What does “ethics” mean to you?

Definition: The principles of conduct governing an individual or group; concerns for what is right or wrong, good or bad.


Some Questions?

• Can an Unethical Person become Ethical? • Can you “Teach” Ethics? • Could a person not know if a situation is unethical?


Ethical Warm Up Discussion


• 1. Using your department issued Smart Phone to update your Fantasy League Roster.

• 2. Eliminating a great interviewed candidate after you see some things on their personal FACEBOOK page that you may not like.

• 3. Meeting people that work directly for you after work for “many” beers. • 4. Creating two purchase orders so you don’t have to go out for formal bids. • 5. Rewarding staff differently • 6. Willfully disregarding a policy that you don’t agree with, knowing you will

never get caught. • 7. Saying you are leaving the office for a meeting when you really are running

a personal errand • 8. Using the Agency Fax machine to Fax documents for your closing on your

home to your attorney. • 9. Using the Agency Digital Camera to take Vacation Pictures. • 10. Using the Agency pick up truck to pull your personal boat to the landing • 11. Accepting tickets to the Clemson vs. Carolina game from a vendor that

wants your business.

Ethical Violation or Not!


What do you think?

Should Public Park and Recreation Department employees be held to a higher professional standard than those in the private sector?


What guides you when making ethical decisions?


Solving Ethical Dilemmas


*Ask Yourself These Questions

• Is it legal? • Does it comply with our rules and regulations? • Does it fit our organizational values? • Would I be guilt free if I do it? • Would I do it to a friend or family member? • Would I be perfectly OK if it happened to me?

* Bill O’Rourke, VP Alcoa


A Suggested Approach to Solving Ethical Dilemmas

1. Gather the facts

2. Define the ethical issues

3. Identify the affected parties

4. Identify the consequences

5. Identify the obligations


Suggested Approach

6. Consider character and integrity

7. Think creatively about potential resolutions

8. Check your gut

9. Act


“The New York Times Test”

How will it look in the newspaper?


More Scenarios

Using the Suggested Approach, outline the steps of your ethical

dilemma and decide on the action you will

take.


Proactive Behaviors

You have to protect your employees from themselves. Don’t create rules that will force them to cover up or be

unethical.


Creating an Ethical Environment

• Periodic discussions with employees • Policies and procedures in place • Code of Ethics in place • Rotation of assignments • Education and training • Build the “right” culture • Values management • Reward based on ethical behavior


Summary

• Be fair to all concerned • Walk the talk • If in doubt, seek advice • Tell the truth • Let others know the rules • If it looks wrong or feels wrong, don’t do it

• Be outspoken and quick when you spot potential ethical violations


The End www.ccprc.com/orourke

Government & Nonprofit

Ethical Management