Government, Ethics, and Managers: A Guide to Solving Ethical Dilemmas in the Public Sector

Sheldon S. Steinberg and David T. Austern focus on the ethical and unethical behavior of elected and appointed government officials. The authors discuss the various types of ethical dilemmas that confront public sector managers, offer ways to analyze them, and describe management strategies designed to prevent unethical behavior. A series of ethical dilemmas which force the reader to examine his or her own ethical standards is followed by answers to the dilemmas which emphasize the importance of ethical choices. The authors also suggest ways to identify the susceptibility to corruption of a jurisdiction and present model policies, procedures, and legislation which could be effective in reducing the opportunity for unethical behavior.

Steinberg and Austern begin by looking at the ethical dilemmas commonly faced by public officials and exploring the motivations for unethical practices. They then examine the costs of unethical behavior and profile three types of government practitioners: the corrupter, the functionary, and the ethicist. The remaining chapters address the use of investigation and management control to encourage ethical practices in public sector management. The authors discuss methods to ensure financial integrity, monitor ethical practices, and comply with ethical rules; emphasize the importance of investigation by management outside of law enforcement activities; and demonstrate the management controls necessary to ensure the ethical practice of government. Essential reading for public sector managers at all levels of government, this book is also an ideal supplemental text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in public administration.

SHELDON S. STEINBERG is President and Chief Operating Officer of International Bridge, Inc., which assists American and Japanese companies in improving working relationships through a better understanding of their respective cultures and business practices. Among Dr. Steinberg's previous experiences is a nine year period as Manager of the Executive Training and Field Test Support program for the U.S. Department of Justice, including a national ethics and integrity training workshop series.

DAVID T. AUSTERN is General Counsel of the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust. He has previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City and as an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the editorial board of the ABA/BNA Lawyer's Manual on Professional Conduct and is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics.