Common Sense Ethics

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Common Sense Ethics
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Everyone who enters into public service for the
United States has a duty to the American people
to maintain the highest standards of integrity in
Government
- The White House - Jan. 20, 2001
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Ethics According to Webster

• The discipline dealing with what is good and bad
  and with moral duty and obligation
• The set of moral principles and values
• A theory of moral values
• The principles of conduct governing an individual
  or group

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Theres a big difference between what you have a
right to do and what is right to do!
- Potter Stewart, American Supreme Court justice
(1915-1985)
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Ethical Workplaces

• Leaders have integrity and serve as examples to
  other employees
• Employees are treated in a fair and respectful
  manner
• Employees perform duties focused on the values,
  mission and goals of the organization
• Employees understand and follow the basic dos
  and donts of the organization
• The public trusts employees to conduct the
  business of the organization (Government) using
  the highest ethical standards

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TIP 1

• If it doesnt feel right, it probably isnt!!

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Tip 2

• Ask yourself what your neighbors, friends or
  family members would think. Would they approve of
  an action or activity as proper and wise?

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Tip 3

• You may have to jump through some hoops. Be
  prepared to do the paperwork if necessary!

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Tip 4

• If you have questions - - - ASK!!!

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Quick Review Checklist

• Travel
• Outside Activities
• Political Activities
• Lobbying

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Travel

• All travel must be approved through supervisory
  channels
• Contributed travel from non-Federal sources
  approved based on conflict of interest
  considerations
• Foreign travel start the process early!
• Travel for non-scientists is approved on case by
  case basis

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Outside Activities

• Can be conducted as part of official duties or in
  personal capacity
• Approval must be obtained for public and
  confidential financial disclosure filers
• Outside activities include participation in
  professional societies (editors, officers, etc.),
  university positions (adjunct professor, etc.),
  and private business ventures

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Political Activities

• Employee may be candidate for public office in
  nonpartisan elections
• May join and be an active member of a political
  party or club
• May assist in voter registration drives
• May contribute money to political organizations
• May attend political fundraising functions
• May express opinions about candidates and issues

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Employee may not engage in political activity
while -

• On duty
• In a government office
• Using a government vehicle

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Lobbying

• Lobbying is not an official duty!!
• Lobbying on Government time and/or using
  Government resources is prohibited
• Use of Government appropriated funds for lobbying
  is prohibited by law

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ARS Code of Scientific Ethics

• I dedicate myself to the pursuit and promotion of
  beneficial scientific investigation, consistent
  with the mission of ARS.
• I will never hinder the beneficial research of
  others.
• I will conduct, discuss, manage, judge and report
  science honestly, thoroughly, and without
  conflict of interest.
• I will encourage constructive critique of my
  personal science and that of my colleagues, in a
  manner that fosters harmony and quality amid
  scientific debate.

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ARS Code of Scientific Ethics, cont.

• I recognize past and present contributors to my
  science and will not accept unwarranted credit
  for the accomplishment of others.
• I will maintain and improve my professional
  skills and be a mentor to others.
• I will ensure safety and humane treatment of
  human and animal subjects and will prevent abuse
  of research resources entrusted to me.

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Contacts

• Northern Plains Area Larry Chandler
  970-492-7058 larry.chandler_at_ars.usda.gov
• Northern Plains Area Louise Dalton
  970-492-7058 louise.dalton_at_ars.usda.gov
• ARS Sue Mutchler 301-504-1442
  smutchler_at_ars.usda.gov
• www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/index.htm