Module 3 ExReading Notes

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What phrase did Paul Light use in June 2008 to describe today’s government and public service?

“Can’t do government” — a public service paralyzed by a growing roster of complex problems and dwindling resources.

What are some troublesome signs that the public service is experiencing the “can’t do government” phenomenon?

Decreasing employee morale, ethical misconduct, high turnover, inadequate bureaucratic leadership, and a lack of confidence in government.

What foundational element does Light say needs reexamination to overcome the can’t do government phenomenon?

The foundation of governance, specifically the values inherent to public service.

Why are public employees theoretically drawn to public service?

For the opportunity to contribute to the greater good.

What trends complicate public service delivery in the context of cross-boundary work?

Increased collaboration with private contractors, tightly constrained reward systems, and working with partners who may not share the same priorities.

How has the private contractor workforce changed from 1999 to around 2009, and what issue does this raise?

Grown from about 2.2 million to approximately 7.6 million, raising concerns about accountability for contractor work.

What does Ingraham’s concept of the contractor ‘zone of discretion’ refer to?

The expanding discretion of private contractors performing public work, contributing to an accountability deficit.

What did the Ethics Resource Center (ERC) findings indicate about ethics in government?

High risk of serious ethical breaches, widespread misconduct, and a significant portion of workplaces conducive to misconduct; top violations include self-interest over organizational interests, lying, abusive behavior, safety violations, and Internet abuse.

What troubling reporting pattern did ERC identify regarding misconduct?

Many witnesses do not report misconduct (about 29% witness but do not report; only about 1% use confidential hotlines).

What term did Gordon use to describe unhealthy organizational cultures that tolerate misconduct?

Bureaupathological behavior.

What did Volcker emphasize as essential for the public service in the long run?

Restoring and maintaining a sense of trust in government.

What is Dwight Waldo’s Map of Ethical Obligations?

A framework listing obligations such as the Constitution, law, nation, democracy, organizational norms, profession, family/friends, middle-range collectives, public interest/general welfare, humanity/world, and religion/God.

What critique does Gawthrop offer about the traditional distinction between management practices and ethical-moral values?

That management methods are treated as separate from ethical-moral democratic values; ideology suggests an integration of ethics into management.

According to Nadler, when will organizations be truly ethical?

When ethical behavior is set as a top priority and codes of ethics are implemented throughout the organization.

What practical evidence supports the effectiveness of ethics programs in government?

The ERC 2007 survey found that about 30% of federal respondents reported ethics programs, which correlate with reduced workplace misconduct.

What role do public managers play when working with outside partners, per Vigoda-Gadot?

They act as teachers and gatekeepers, leading by example and overseeing ethical standards across collaborations.

What role should academia play in restoring public service ethics?

Public administration curricula should integrate discussions of democratic and administrative obligations, ethical behavior, and value congruence.

What is the central moving-forward question in restoring trust and public service values?

What is the shared definition of the common good that extends beyond organizational boundaries across public, nonprofit, and private partners?

What is described as the central challenge of modern governance?

Balancing demands for performance with demands for ethical behavior across sector boundaries.