Unit 2 Morality And Ethics Introduction

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.

Paper For Above instruction

Morality and ethics are foundational concepts in understanding human conduct, especially within the realm of public administration. Morality refers to the adherence to standards of right and wrong behavior, often derived from societal, cultural, or religious norms. Ethics, on the other hand, involves the systematic study and evaluation of moral values and principles that guide human behavior in specific contexts. While these terms are frequently used interchangeably, they possess distinct meanings that influence how individuals and organizations approach decision-making.

In the context of public administration, morality acts as the internal compass guiding individual behavior based on societal expectations of right conduct. Ethics provides a structured framework for evaluating what constitutes appropriate behavior, often formalized through codes of conduct and professional standards. For example, a public administrator demonstrating honesty and integrity aligns with moral virtues, yet adhering to transparency policies reflects ethical standards set by professional bodies.

The importance of these concepts is underscored by their impact on public trust and effective governance. Morality influences personal character and individual decision-making, whereas ethics shape organizational practices and policies. The balance between the two becomes critical when addressing dilemmas involving conflicting values or norms. For instance, a public official might face a choice between client confidentiality and the obligation to disclose information for the public good. Such situations require careful ethical deliberation grounded in moral principles.

Furthermore, Rohr (1998) emphasizes that representing societal values is a complex challenge for public administrators. They must navigate between their own ethical beliefs and the diverse values of the community they serve. This multiplicity of perspectives can create conflicts, especially in multicultural societies where different groups hold contrasting moral standards. Consequently, public administrators should develop cultural competence and ethical sensitivity to manage these conflicts effectively.

Education and training play vital roles in cultivating ethical awareness and moral judgment. While some argue that morality is innate, evidence suggests that ethical behavior can be encouraged and developed through deliberate learning processes. Formal ethics training, ethical decision-making models, and real-world exposure are instrumental in shaping administrators’ capacity to handle moral dilemmas.

In a broader sense, understanding the complex interplay between morality, ethics, and values is essential for responsible public service. It enables administrators to make decisions that uphold societal standards and foster trust. Moreover, acknowledging that values can sometimes conflict encourages ongoing reflection and dialogue, which are crucial in preserving the legitimacy of public institutions.

References

• Rohr, J. A. (1998). Public Ethics: Pluralism and Public Policy. Routledge.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). Moral Courage: Taking Action When Your Values Are Threatened. HarperOne.
• Gould, C. (2019). Public Administration and Morality. Routledge.
• Bowen, W. G. (2018). The Urban University: A Landmark for Democracy. Princeton University Press.
• Frederickson, H. G., & Gaffney, O. C. (2015). The Public Administration Theory Primer. Westview Press.
• Hood, C., & Lodge, M. (2004). Thinking Strategically About Public Sector Ethics. Public Administration Review.
• Considine, M., & Lewis, D. (2003). The Politics of Public Service Values. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory.
• Hess, F. M. (2009). Trustees and Trusteeship. American Political Science Review.