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Juliana Bolivar

PA6674 Ethics in Public Administration

Artifact 1 -
Ethical Dilemma Analysis: Resigning from the City Manager Position

This artifact, titled "Ethical Dilemma Analysis: Resigning from the City Manager Position," was developed during the PA6674 Ethics in Public Administration course. It details a hypothetical situation where I faced a significant ethical dilemma after accepting a new job as City Manager—a major career milestone. In this role, I encountered a corruption scandal and threats to my family's safety, which tested my personal and professional values. This artifact exemplifies my ability to apply ethical decision-making frameworks to complex issues within the public sector, highlighting the application of ethical models, codes of ethics, and the importance of integrity and social responsibility. This case further illustrates the complexities of ethical dilemmas, where choices are not simply right versus wrong but often right versus right, demanding a balance of principles, values, and loyalties.

  • Core Concepts Identified:

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    • Ethical Models and Decision Making: Utilized frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics to analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas.

    • Personal vs. Public Ethics: Explored the distinction between personal values and public sector ethics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional integrity.

    • Codes of Ethics: Evaluated the effectiveness of various public sector codes of ethics in guiding decisions.

    • Integrity, Professionalism, and Social Responsibility: Highlighted the significance of these values in public administration.

    • Ethical Case Studies and Rational Analysis Model: Applied the rational analysis model to real-world ethical scenarios.

     

    ​The artifact begins with a detailed analysis of an ethical dilemma faced by a public administrator involving a conflict of interest in a decision-making process. In my new role as City Manager, I was confronted with a corruption scandal that threatened my professional integrity and my family's safety. By applying ethical models such as utilitarianism and deontology, I systematically evaluated the potential outcomes and ethical implications of various actions. Evaluating different codes of ethics provided a framework for ensuring that decisions align with legal standards and moral principles. Using the rational analysis model, I developed a comprehensive solution prioritizing public interest and maintaining integrity. Ultimately, I decided to resign from the position to protect my family's welfare while upholding my ethical standards.

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    Reflection and Learning Outcomes:


     

    This artifact demonstrates my ability to identify and navigate complex ethical issues, apply ethical decision-making models, and evaluate the effectiveness of codes of ethics. The most important lesson I learned from this class is that ethical dilemmas are not simply right vs. wrong, as every individual tries to do right according to their principles, values, and loyalties. However, when faced with right vs. right situations, t our actions are defined by the values that matter the most to us. I am now more aware of these values in my daily choices.


    For example, while interviewing for a program assistant position in my department, I met a candidate finishing her MBA with 17 years of nail tech experience but no relevant experience. My service values inclined me to give her an opportunity, but my responsibility to the program required selecting a qualified person. This awareness of balancing values, gained from this course, guided me to look for other suitable positions within the university and community partners where she could apply her skills and education. This approach allowed me to uphold my service values and professional responsibility, ensuring that I make decisions that align with the ethical standards I aim to maintain. 

    • Cooper, T. L. (2012). The Responsible Administrator: An Approach to Ethics for the Administrative Role (6th ed.). Wiley Publishers., R. D., Johnson, R. W., & Joyce, P. G. (2020). Public Budgeting Systems (10th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Artifact 2 -
My Values Portrait

  • Core Concepts Identified:

    • Ethical Models and Decision Making in the Public Sector: Understanding various ethical frameworks and models and analyzing ethical decision-making processes.

    • Personal vs. Public Ethics: Differentiating between personal and public sector ethics and exploring the role of personal values in public administration.

    • Codes of Ethics: Identifying and evaluating various codes of ethics and assessing their applicability and effectiveness within the public sector.

    • Integrity, Professionalism, and Social Responsibility: Cultivating integrity and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of diversity and social responsibility.

    • Ethical Case Studies and Rational Analysis Model: Applying ethical concepts to real-world scenarios and using the rational analysis model to analyze ethical dilemmas.

     

    Creating "My Values Portrait" was a reflective process that began with identifying and examining my values, responsibilities, and loyalties. Throughout the course, we engaged in exercises that allowed us to delve deeply into these areas, gradually building a comprehensive understanding of the values that shape our moral compass.
    Initially, we explored various ethical frameworks and decision-making models to understand the theoretical foundations of ethics in public administration. This was followed by exercises that differentiated personal values from public sector ethics, helping us recognize the importance of aligning our personal beliefs with our professional responsibilities.


    By applying these concepts to real-world scenarios through case studies and the rational analysis model, we could see how ethical dilemmas often involve right vs. right decisions. This process highlighted the importance of balancing various values and loyalties to make sound ethical decisions.


    Reflection and Learning Outcomes:
This artifact demonstrates my ability to recognize and navigate complex ethical issues, apply ethical models to decision-making, and evaluate the effectiveness of codes of ethics. The most important lesson I learned is that ethical dilemmas are often right vs. right scenarios, where choices are guided by the values that matter most. Th course has heightened my awareness of these values and their impact on my decisions. Reflecting on my values has reinforced my commitment to accountability, responsibility, and loyalty, ensuring that my actions align with my ethical standards.


    Closing my portfolio with this artifact highlights my intellectual progress and growth as an ethical professional. It demonstrates how the values and lessons learned during my MPA program have shaped my professional ethos and prepared me for future challenges in public administration.

    • Cooper, T. L. (2012). The Responsible Administrator: An Approach to Ethics for the Administrative Role (6th ed.). Wiley Publishers.

This artifact, titled "My Values Portrait," was developed during the PA6674 Ethics in Public Administration course. Itis the culmination of my ethical journey throughout the course and my Master of Public Administration program. This artifact is a demonstration of my core values of accountability, responsibility, and loyalty, illustrating how these values have guided my professional growth and decision-making processes. This artifact showcases my intellectual and ethical  growth and development, making a fitting conclusion for my portfolio.

Artifacts

Ethical Dilemma Analysis: Resigning from the City Manager Position

01

My Values Portrait

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