Ethical Leadership Shoreline Community College Operations Committee December 1, 2008 Presented by Stephen Smith Vice President for Human Resources and Legal Affairs

Ethical Leadership/December Change and Challenges  We are living and working in extraordinary times, where change is virtually constant. Please check for updates momentarily on: The World...  The Country... The Budget...  The College... Them...  Us … You... Me!

Ethical Leadership/December Supervisory Responsibility  Identify issues and risks When uncertain of correct procedure When perceived as unusual or improper When information is unclear (directives and responses)  Informed choices Find and understand the facts (investigate!) Comply with all law, contract, policy requirements Human factors (personnel and beyond)  Timely Action

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics - General Definition The embodiment of those values that the person or organization feels are important…, and spell our proper conduct and appropriate action. - Webster’s Dictionary

Ethical Leadership/December Sources of Ethical Core Values  College Mission  Strategic Plan  Legal and Contractual Compliance RCW WAC , et. seq. RCW 28B Collective Bargaining Agreements Etc., etc., etc.

Ethical Leadership/December Ethical Awareness  Public sector ethics issues are both practical and political, involving: Public, Media, and Legislative interests Constituent and Labor Relations Audit Findings Employee Morale Public Trust and Confidence  These issues affect enrollment and funding in higher education

Ethical Leadership/December Ethical Choices Ethical choices are generally not between issues of good and evil, but rather between two goods, such as: Truth vs. Loyalty  Failing to disclose or address improper conduct Individual vs. Community  Private or personal benefit Short-term vs. Long-term  “Expediency is the opposite of ethics, but …”

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics in State Government  Policies, law, and expectations that define the minimum standards of conduct for state employees to achieve: Public trust in government operations and cooperation with government authority Efficient use of public resources to conduct the business of government Accountability of public employees

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics Context at SCC Vision We will be a world-class leader in student success and community engagement Mission We are dedicated to serving the educational, workforce and cultural needs of our diverse community.

Ethical Leadership/December Ethical Awareness  Daily ethical choices Words Actions Nonverbal  Clearly distinguish and understand “must,” “can” and “should”

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics Law Requirements  Ethics law requires that all of our actions are consistent with the highest principles of public service: Selfless -- without any personal or private benefit Efficiently and productively doing our job Serving the public interest as defined by Leadership through Mission, Strategic Plan, etc.

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics Law Consequences  Investigations and audits State and federal College  Corrective and disciplinary action Grievances, mediation, arbitration  Individual fines and civil penalties  Negative public perception

Ethical Leadership/December Defining Ethical Leadership From an executive/HR perspective:  Consistent, professional behavior (Leadership by Example) that demonstrates the highest values of official conduct and accountability.  Timely perception and action that fulfills agency business objectives efficiently and respectfully for all parties.

Ethical Leadership/December Ethics Standards The ethical standards for each employee are defined and reflected in the words and actions of their supervisor … and all other College leaders

Ethical Leadership/December Core Principles of Leadership  (Clarity) Decisions, communication and actions are clear and logical  (Transparency) Actions are consistent with law and core business purpose – and anticipate public disclosure and controversy  (Diversity) Actions are equitable and respectful for all persons  (Productivity) Actions efficiently fulfill formal business objectives and core values

Ethical Leadership/December Key Leadership Issues  Power and Perception Objectivity Transparency Confidentiality  Appearance of Impropriety Abuse of Authority or Position Conflict of Interest Misuse of state resources  Critical choices: Can vs. Should

Ethical Leadership/December Power and Perception Ethical behavior is respectful  Treating people with respect … including compassion … is the most productive and efficient use of our (state) resources, time and energy. More healthy … less downtime Less conflict … reduced liability  Demonstrate respect for individual’s rights and inherent qualities

Ethical Leadership/December Ethical cognitive errors: common rationales for unethical behavior  Deadlines or performance goals  Lack of resources, staff, time  Fear of authority  Career pressures to get the job done  The action “isn’t really” illegal  The action is in an individual’s or organization’s “best interests”  The action is “unlikely” to be discovered

Ethical Leadership/December Global Ethics Principles  Objectivity  Selflessness  Stewardship  Transparency

Ethical Leadership/December Objectivity College employees are public employees under the law and must place the public’s interest before any private interest or external obligation. Decisions should be made on the merits of any issue. RCW , Activities incompatible with public duties RCW , Financial interests in transactions RCW , Assisting in transactions

Ethical Leadership/December Selflessness College employees should not make decisions in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. RCW , Special privileges RCW , Gifts RCW , Limitations on gifts RCW , Employment after public service

Ethical Leadership/December Stewardship College employees have a duty to conserve public resources and funds against misuse and abuse. RCW , Special privileges RCW , Use of persons, money, or property for private gain RCW , Use of public resources for political campaigns WAC – Use of State Resources

Ethical Leadership/December Transparency College employees must be as open as possible about decisions and actions while also protecting confidential information. RCW , Confidential information RCW Public Disclosure Requirements

Ethical Leadership/December Conflict of Interest  A conflict of interest occurs when you (or a member of your family) have a private interest that may benefit from your official actions, or when a private interest could interfere with official duties Money or financial Non-monetary  Most conflict of interests result from the exercise of discretionary (unsupervised) authority … and the supervisor can remain individually liable

Ethical Leadership/December The Appearance of Impropriety Recognizing Potential Conflict of Interest Mission Official Responsibilities Use of College Resources Personal Relationships and Activities Private Employment Commercial Business and other Private Transactions

Ethical Leadership/December Consider This “If … you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.” - Catherine Aird

Ethical Leadership/December Ethical Leadership Summary  Demonstrate that you understand your role and responsibilities  Comply with all laws, and rules and policies  Clearly communicate and model expectations for staff  Consult with Human Resources early and often!  Expect Ambiguity, Change and Paradox

Discussion? Questions? Thank you.