Common Sense Ethics

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

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

There’s a big difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do!

Ethical Workplaces Leaders have integrity and serve as examples to other employees Leaders have integrity and serve as examples to other employees Employees are treated in a fair and respectful manner Employees are treated in a fair and respectful manner Employees perform duties focused on the values, mission and goals of the organization Employees perform duties focused on the values, mission and goals of the organization Employees understand and follow the basic “do’s and don’ts” of the organization Employees understand and follow the basic “do’s and don’ts” of the organization The public trusts employees to conduct the business of the organization (Government) using the highest ethical standards The public trusts employees to conduct the business of the organization (Government) using the highest ethical standards

TIP #1 If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!! If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!!

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

Tip #3 You may have to jump through some hoops. Be prepared to do the paperwork if necessary! You may have to jump through some hoops. Be prepared to do the paperwork if necessary!

Tip #4 If you have questions ASK!!! If you have questions ASK!!!

Quick Review Checklist Travel Travel Outside Activities Outside Activities Political Activities Political Activities Lobbying Lobbying

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

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

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

Employee may not engage in political activity while - On duty On duty In a government office In a government office Using a government vehicle Using a government vehicle

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

ARS Code of Scientific Ethics I dedicate myself to the pursuit and promotion of beneficial scientific investigation, consistent with the mission of ARS. 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 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 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. 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.

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 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 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. I will ensure safety and humane treatment of human and animal subjects and will prevent abuse of research resources entrusted to me.

Contacts Northern Plains Area – Larry Chandler; ; Northern Plains Area – Larry Chandler; ; Northern Plains Area – Louise Dalton; ; Northern Plains Area – Louise Dalton; ; ARS – Sue Mutchler; ; ARS – Sue Mutchler; ;