Ethics and Risk Management

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Ethics and Risk Management

• Mary Jo Monahan, LCSW
• President/CEO
• Family Service Centers, Inc.
• Clearwater, FL
• [phone]

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Ethics and Risk Management

• Competing Values
• Competing Loyalties

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Rationalizations

• I have to cut corners to meet goals
• I lack the time resources to do the right thing
• My boss wants results, not excuses
• I dont think it is really wrong, illegal.
• No one will ever know
• I am afraid to do what I know is right

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Why ?

• Preventiveavoid lawsuits and boycotts
• Productiveincrease productivity and long term
  stability

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A Bit o Wisdom

• There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.

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Corporate Culture is Key

• Starts with Leadership
• Dedicate Resources to Ethics
• Organizational Standards
• Culture of Ethics--Communication

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Vulnerabilities

• Purchasing
• Cost Containment
• Fees

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Vulnerabilities

• Confidentiality
• Resource Utilization
• Human Resources

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Agency Standards

• Vision
• Mission
• Values
• Policies Procedures
• Code of Ethics

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System of Crisis Management

• To combat reactive mode
• Clear standards and guidelines for dealing with
  urgent or emerging situations
• Open communication throughout

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Another Bit o Wisdom

• There is no right way to do a wrong thing.

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Code of Ethics sets forth.

• Values
• Ethical Principles
• Ethical Standards
• To which all staff/volunteers aspire
• And by which their actions can be judged

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Organizational Code of Ethics

• Serves as a set of accountability standards
  against which the board and the organization can
  be measured.

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Organizational Code of Ethics

• Sends a strong signal to staff and board members
  that certain standards must be met in conducting
  day to day business.

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ETHICS Check List--PLUS

• P Policies Is it consistent with my
  organization's policies, procedures and
  guidelines?
• L Legal Is it acceptable under the applicable
  laws and regulations?

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ETHICS Check List--PLUS

• U Universal Does it conform to the universal
  principles/values my organization has adopted?
• S Self Does it satisfy my personal definition
  of right, good and fair?

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Ethics Effectiveness12 Areas

• Clear Organizational Values
• Ethics Strategy, Goals Objectives
• Policies Procedures
• Measurement
• Rewards
• Decision-Making Model

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Ethics Effectiveness12 Areas

• Assess Ethical Climate
• Build Support for Ethical Practice
• Leadership Practices
• Evaluate Impact of Ethical Practices
• Education Training
• Respect for Staffs Personal Values

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Final Bit o Wisdom

• Ethical behavior results from a personal
  commitment to engage in ethical behavior.