Chapter 12 – Career Options in State Government

12.6 Building an Ethical Career

For students aspiring to a career in public service, it is important to develop a strong ethical foundation. This involves understanding the importance of ethical leadership and the role it plays in fostering a culture of integrity within government organizations. Ethical leaders set the tone for their organizations by leading by example and supporting ethical decision-making processes. They ensure that all employees are aware of and adhere to a code of ethics that guides their behavior.

Students should also be aware of the need for continuous ethics training and education. Regular training on key issues such as conflicts of interest and the proper use of public resources helps reinforce ethical standards and prepares future public servants to handle complex ethical dilemmas. Moreover, having access to resources like ethics helplines and guidance from experienced professionals can provide valuable support when facing challenging situations.

In summary, a career in public service is built on a foundation of ethical values and principles. By committing to these values and continuously striving to uphold them, students can contribute to a government that is effective, transparent, and respected by the public.

Reference

Emerson, Sandra, Royce Menkus, and Kathy Van Ness. 2010. Chapter 3 – Ethics in The Public Administrator’s Companion: A Practical Guide. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

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An Ohioan’s Guide to State & Local Government by R. Clayton Wukich is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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