1. Strategy and the Public Interest: An Ethical Framework
Douglas Snow, Ph.D.
Professor of Public Service
Institute for Public Service
Suffolk University

2. Presentation Objectives
Outline the ethical obligations of professional financial managers in developing strategy
Examine the role of professional managers in engaging and educating elected officials and the public about critical issues at all phases of strategic decisions, but especially in the deliberation phase
Examine the question: “What gives us the right to lead?”

3. Ethics and the Public Interest
American Society for Public Administration members commit to “promote the interests of the public and put service to the public above service to oneself (ASPA Code of Ethics)
Association of Government Accountants members are expected to consider “the long-term interest of the government and its citizens” (AGA Code of Ethics)
Government Finance Officers “shall be sensitive and responsive to the rights of the public and its changing needs” (GFOA Code of Ethics).

4. Transparency and accountability on the front end of strategy:
Support and legitimacy for government activities depends on a critical mass of continuously engaged and educated citizens
Non-elected government officials have a responsibility to inform and educate the public and to engage citizens
Accountable, high performing, transparent governments rely on the capacity of the public to understand government programs, government finances, and evidence-based practices.

5. Strategic Decisions within the Context of the Public Interest:
Strategy:
Embodies a community’s values, aspirations, and priorities
Is informed by democratic processes, our obligations to one another, and by our concern for the wellbeing of future generations
Shapes operational plans and budgets
Requires the expertise of professional managers.

6. Discussion: A Strategic Triangle Approach
Strategy
Operational Capacity
Legitimacy Support
Ethical Obligations and Strategic Role of Finance Officers

7. References
Denhardt, R. B. and J. V. Denhardt (2000). The New Public Service: Serving Rather Than Steering. Public Administration Review 60 (6), pp
Lewis, C. W. (2006 September/October). In Pursuit of the Public Interest, Public Administration Review:
Moore, M. H. (1995). Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.