We are all familiar with the axiom “Do not judge a book by its cover.” However, impressions and perceptions are very real and, oftentimes, the only source of information on which people can make judgments about situations, organizations, and other people. As a local government worker or official, you no doubt are aware of the wonderful work done by governments on behalf of their residents. Much of this work, though – while not done in secret – is done without the knowledge and full understanding of the public. All they have to judge us by is our book’s cover. Too often, major lapses in judgment and conduct help shape the public’s trust in government – a major reason that trust continues to erode each year.

If you're here now, you probably already have a decent sense of right and wrong. And the laws, policies, and rules of conduct of your jurisdiction should provide you with good guidance on how to handle many black and white situations. Can you accept gifts from clients? Can you use your agency’s credit card for personal purchases? Can you make personal calls from your office phone? How about your work cell phone? We are not going to answer these questions for you. You can likely figure them out on your own or consult your organization’s policies for the answers. If such policies don’t exist or you can’t find them, let people know they are needed.

You see, ethics is really about making tough personal decisions when forced with multiple options, each of which embodies a value you or your organization cherishes. American society is diverse; however there are several values that are commonly shared.  Understanding these values will enable public officials to more effectively navigate through ethical dilemmas.  Among these commonly shared values are:

• trustworthiness
• responsibility
• respect
• loyalty
• compassion
• fairness

The key to making ethical decisions lies in the process you use to come to a conclusion. What questions do you ask yourself (or others)? Whose viewpoints do you consider? What resources do you consult? Typical questions asked as people consider ethical dilemmas include:

• What effect or impact would the decision have on the individuals involved?
• What effect or cost will it have for the decision maker?
• What effect might it have on the organization involved or the public’s perception thereof?
• What values are conflicting?
• What are the possible legal considerations?
• Does the situation involve a combination of ethical dilemma types (both personal cost and values)?
• Will it cost the decision maker their job?
• Will it cost the decision maker a friendship?
• How would the decision maker feel if his or her actions and decisions were on the front page of the local newspaper or on the nightly news? 
• What is the cost of inaction?
• What resources are available in the agency to help deal with ethical dilemmas?  How does one access these resources?
• Does the agency or organization support ethical behavior?  Would one be penalized for bringing unethical behavior to the organization’s attention?
• Does the agency have an ethics policy? How might it help in this situation?
• How might the rationalization trap come into play in the scenario? 
• How will the public perceive the actions and/or decisions?

As you engage yourself and others in the consideration of ethical dilemmas, you will quickly realize that, quite often, there is no one right answer. In fact, many times, both choices seem like the right answer. But if you carefully consider your values, your organization’s values, and the decision-making questions we just presented, your ultimate decision will most likely be an ethical one, one that will help you keep the public’s trust.

This is not a simple process and it is not one that can easily be done alone. Take a few minutes to consider some of the scenarios we present here. Discuss them with your coworkers. Ask the tough questions. Consider ways the scenario could be different and how it would affect your decisions. Congratulations on taking this first, important step, to ensuring your organization is run ethically.