Ethics in the Government Sector:Ethical Dilemmas Assignment

Internal Code: MAS162

Ethical Dilemmas Assignment:

One of the most difficult things about applying ethics when working in the public sector is making the right decisions at the right time. Once you master this, it is then even more difficult to make the same decisions, and more, when your colleagues are involved. It is expected that this workbook will allow you to consider some of the ethical dilemmas that may present themselves, but more so, how you would respond. Question: 1) One of your fellow colleagues disagrees with the political position taken by the Minister for your Government sector. He plans on discussing the issue and his perspective with a journalist later in the day. What do you do? 2) Your assistant has organised flights and accommodation for you interstate to investigate a work related task. When you get to the airport you realise that she has booked you on business class both ways, and accommodation at a five star resort. Should you take any action in relation to this? 3) A work task has reached your desk, and you quickly realise that the persons of interest are related to your sister –in-law. You advise your immediate supervisor and he approves you to continue to work on this case. Is it okay to simply accept this decision, or is there further action you should take? 4) You are wrapping up a work task that has a potential impact on the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It has come to your attention that some additional documentation has been discovered, however, the matter is time sensitive and requires you to enter the home of the Opposition Leader without permission. You do not have time to pursue other options. What do you do? 5) A colleague who is new to the organisation has approached you and is upset about inappropriate sexual innuendos from the boss. What do you do to help her? 6) You have been selected to lead a primary work project, even though you have only been in the Government position for six months. This seems strange to you because you have two more experienced and very capable colleagues. One is a 25 year old male from the Sudan, and the other is a 57 year old female. What are your options in questioning the use of equality and diversity principle in your workplace? Do you bother? 7) You are working an important matter for your workplace. How do you always ensure that natural justice and procedural fairness is applied? What strategies do you use to ensure understanding? 8) Provide two examples of how professional standards are applied in your workplace in relation to ethical behavior. 9) Provide a brief explanation as to how environmental and work health and safety procedures relate to ethical work practice. Aren’t they completely separate? In what instances would they overlap with each other? 10) What is your understanding of justice, respect for persons and responsible care in terms of ethical behavior in the Government? What sort of behavior does this expect, and how would you apply and measure it? 11) As manager of your department you have identified a staff member involved in unethical behavior. What are the procedures or protocols for reporting this behavior? 12) You are preparing to conduct ethical training in the workplace for new employees. You are aware that you will be providing the training to a diverse range of staff and will be required to explain complex ideas to a range of different audiences. What strategies would you use to deliver the training and ensure understanding? 13) There has been an increase in the number of breaches of discipline within the organisation. You have been tasked to address this situation and explain the consequences of unethical conduct in a manner suited to level of staff roles, experience and specific needs. How would you address these issues and ensure understanding?