Codes of Ethics

[Bill Pitchford <Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu>]

The HPS Code of Ethics is on the inside back cover of "The Directory."

The HPS Code of Ethics does not appear to be available for review on the 
web site. (So I don't reproduce it here (yet) in the conservation of time.)

1996-1997 Statistics from "The Directory" identify 2609 members in the 
categories of Government, National Labs, and Universities among a 
population of 5445 members that responded with employment category data.
(916 members not coded.) [Total 6361] (Which does not match 6428 Total 
Members identified elsewhere in the statistical reporting.) SO, MAYBE 
ABOUT HALF OF ALL HP PROFESSIONALS ARE ALSO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES SUBJECT TO 
LOYALTY OATHS.

The ASPA (see below) does have its Code of Ethics available on-line.

Perhaps we could consider some of these additional ethics for our code.

American Society for Public Administration: Code of Ethics

 The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) exists to advance 
the science, processes, and art of public administration. The Society 
affirms its
responsibility to develop the spirit of professionalism within its 
membership, and to increase public awareness of ethical principles in 
public service by its example. To
this end, we, the members of the Society, commit ourselves to the 
following principles:



I. Serve the Public Interest

 Serve the Public, beyond serving oneself. ASPA members are committed to:

     1. Exercise discretionary authority to promote the public interest. 
     2. Oppose all forms of discrimination and harassment, and promote 
affirmative action. 
     3. Recognize and support the public's right to know the public's 
business. 
     4. Involve citizens in policy decision-making. 
     5. Exercise compassion, benevolence, fairness and optimism. 
     6. Respond to the public in ways that are complete, clear, and easy 
to understand. 
     7. Assist citizens in their dealings with government. 
     8. Be prepared to make decisions that may not be popular. 

II. Respect the Constitution and the Law

Respect, support, and study government constitutions and laws that define 
responsibilities of public agencies, employees, and all citizens. ASPA
members are committed to: 

     1. Understand and apply legislation and regulations relevant to 
their professional role. 
     2. Work to improve and change laws and policies that are 
counter-productive or obsolete. 
     3. Eliminate unlawful discrimination. 
     4. Prevent all forms of mismanagement of public funds by 
establishing and maintaining strong fiscal and management controls, and by
     supporting audits and investigative activities. 
     5. Respect and protect privileged information. 
     6. Encourage and facility legitimate dissent activities in 
government and protect the whistleblowing rights of public employees. 
     7. Promote constitutional principles of equality, fairness, 
representativeness, responsiveness and due process in protecting 
citizens' rights. 

III. Demonstrate Personal Integrity

Demonstrate the highest standards in all activities to inspire public 
confidence and trust in public service. ASPA members are committed to:

     1. Maintain truthfulness and honesty and to not compromise them for 
advancement, honor, or personal gain. 
     2. Ensure that others receive credit for their work and 
contributions. 
     3. Zealously guard against conflict of interest or its appearance: 
e.g., nepotism, improper outside employment, misuse of public resources or
     the acceptance of gifts. 
     4. Respect superiors, subordinates, colleagues and the public. 
     5. Take responsibility for their own errors. 
     6. Conduct official acts without partisanship. 

IV. Promote Ethical Organizations

 Strengthen organizational capabilities to apply ethics, efficiency and 
effectiveness in serving the public. ASPA members are committed to:

     1. Enhance organizational capacity for open communication, 
creativity, and dedication. 
     2. Subordinate institutional loyalties to the public good. 
     3. Establish procedures that promote ethical behavior and hold 
individuals and organizations accountable for their conduct. 
     4. Provide organization members with an administrative means for 
dissent assurance of due process and safeguards against reprisal. 
     5. Promote merit principles that protect against arbitrary and 
capricious actions. 
     6. Promote organizational accountability through appropriate 
controls and procedures. 
     7. Encourage organizations to adopt, distribute, and periodically 
review a code of ethics as a living document. 

V. Strive for Professional Excellence

 Strengthen individual capabilities and encourage the professional 
development of others. ASPA members are committed to:

       
     1. Provide support and encouragement to upgrade the professional 
development of others. 
     2. Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date 
on emerging issues and potential problems. 
     3. Encourage others, throughout their careers, to participate in 
professional activities and associations. 
     4. Allocate time to meet with students and provide a bridge between 
classroom studies and the realities of public service. 
       

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics shall be conducted in accordance with 
Article I, Section 4 of ASPA's Bylaws. In 1981 the American Society for 
Public Administration's National
Council adopted a set of moral principles. Three years later in 1984, the 
council approved a Code of Ethics for ASPA members. In 1994 the Code was 
revised.

       

American Society for Public Administration
1120 G Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005-3885
(202) 393-7878
(202) 638-4952 fax
http://www.aspanet.org 



Bill Pitchford			Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu
Radiation Protection Facility	(602)965-6140 voice
Arizona State University	http://www.asu.edu
Campus Box 873501		(602)965-6609 facsimile
Tempe, Arizona 85287-3501	http://physics.isu.edu