1. The City of Dallas The Office of Ethics and Diversity Vanessa Gray
Workplace Ethics
The City of Dallas
The Office of Ethics and Diversity
Vanessa Gray

2. Topics for Today Ethics Definition and Importance
Importance of Values in Ethics
Video Scenarios
Learn how to be effective in making ethical decisions
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3. Learning Objectives
Understand and apply recently issued GASB pronouncements
Identify and discuss governmental accounting best practices and other relevant topics to local governments
Explain and discuss changes to the Single Audit and Uniform Grant Guidance
Explain Ethics and Diversity as it relates to governmental entities
Define and interpret the Public Funds Investment Act
Understand how to impact risk management with data
Discuss the state of the economy
Understand and identify Internal Controls
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4. Why are we here?
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5. PUBLIC SERVICE
Public agencies were created by the public to accomplish things that could not be done by individuals acting alone or with a profit motive.
People who work in public agencies are entrusted with resources, power and authority.
But the nature of that trust is that these resources, power and authority can be used only to benefit the public — not those in public service.

6. Disclaimer
You already know the difference between RIGHT and WRONG.
BUT
Even the best people will find themselves in an ethical dilemma, where they have to chose between one RIGHT, and another RIGHT in certain scenarios.

7. What are Ethics? Ethics:
The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
A set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values
Ethical Dilemma:
A conflict or situation a person faces in which a decision must be made about appropriate behavior
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8. Why Should we be Concerned with Ethics?
Benefits for the City
Promotes citizens’ trust and public image
Retain good employees
Increases productivity
Helps avoid legal problems
Helps avoid negative media exposure
Benefits for YOU
Strengthens job security and satisfaction
Builds stronger teams
Reduces stress
Maintains open communication
*SBA.gov: Business Law & Regulations *Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD Authenticity Consulting, LLC*Change Magazine: Teaching Business Ethics in the Age of Madoff

9. Ethical Values Time Elapsed :13 Commitment beyond self
Obedience and commitment beyond the law
Commitment to the public good
Respect for the value and dignity of all
Accountability to the public
Truthfulness
Fairness
Responsible application of resources
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10. Scenarios Ethical Values Ethical Decision Making Respect for others
Fairness
Honesty
Ethical Decision Making
Is there an ethical violation?
Should I do something?
What is the best solution?

11. Making Ethical Decisions
Requires:
Integrity
Wisdom
Courage
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12. Ethical Decision making: Is there a violation?
How would I feel if it happened to me?
Does it hurt anyone?
How would I feel if everyone knew?

13. Discussion Questions
Think about a time in a previous job when you felt a coworker was doing something unethical. What made you believe it was wrong?
Did others become aware of the behavior, or only you? How did word spread? If you were the only one who know, could others have found out? How?
Did the unethical behavior affect the atmosphere at that job? Did your feelings change about coming to work there every day?
Is it important to be ethical only because other people might find out? What if no one ever does?

14. Ethical Decision making Should I do something?
Is it serious?
Am I responsible?
Do I have the resources?

15. Discussion Questions
Imagine an example of an ethical violation in the workplace that is NOT serious. Explain why it would be appropriate to overlook the situation.
Imagine an example of an ethical violation at work that might seem like a small thing but ultimately is serious. Explain what action you might take to remedy the situation.
In the video, what do you think is the number one reason why the unfair dispatcher decides to stop giving priority to the player on his team?

16. Ethical Decision making What is the best solution?
What does the greatest good or least harm?
Will it work?
Is it enough?

17. Discussion Questions
Can you think of other solutions to the ethical dilemma presented in the video? What other options might these two consider, and would they work?
Do you think the solution presented in the video is enough? Should the sales rep be disciplined or fired? Do you believe it won’t happen again?
Think about an ethical problem you faced at a previous job. Was there more than one way to fix it? How did you choose the solution? Did it work?
What would you do if a coworker came to you and admitted lying to supervisor/coworker/auditor?

18. Hesitating to Report? GOOD NEWS
70% of government workers who observe misconduct report it to management
BAD NEWS
30% didn’t report because
Futility, no action in past -17%
Fear: 9%
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Ethics Resource Center, National Government Ethics Survey, 2007

19. Retaliation Prohibited
State law protects whistleblowers.
…local government .. may not suspend .. terminate .. or take other adverse personnel action against, a public employee who in good faith reports a violation of law
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20. Summary Ethics are as important to an organization as the are in life.
Certain standards are linked to the work environment.
Ethical Values are enduring and apply even in changing times.
It’s important to think about the small actions that could potentially undermine the standards of your organization.
Remember that perception is reality when in the public eye.

21. Contact Information
THE OFFICE OF ETHICS AND DIVERSITY
Vanessa Averheart Gray
Ethics & Diversity Officer
Brian Wisdom
Ethics and Diversity Coordinator
Located at City Hall – 4DN
our office:
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to attend the session and don’t hesitate to contact your HR generalist or us in Ethics and Diversity if you have any questions or concerns.
Work Ethically – Embrace Diversity – Be Inclusive