An Ethical Comparison of Two Presidencies
Unlike in the private sector, which is a market-exchange relationship where a service or a good is offered in exchange for payment, and consumers decide whether to accept this exchange, there are many instances where citizens rely on the government for goods and services (at set prices) and have no other sources from which to obtain them. This incredible governmental authority must be monitored so that abuse of power does not occur. The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) publishes a Code of Ethics which should guide all public administrators to ensure ethical behavior and adherence to the wishes of the constituents they are meant to serve. This paper outlines some of the key ethical principles, duties, and virtues that all public servants must follow, and how two past presidents have fared measured by these guidelines.
The Public Sector Hiring Process
The public sector must follow much more stringent guidelines in their hiring of employees. Government is tasked with having a work force that mirrors the people they serve (referred to as a "representative bureaucracy"). They are also not at liberty to offer salaries and benefits that are not in line with other similar government agency positions. Finally, specific termination requirements are meant to insure these employees are afforded their due process rights. This discussion outlines one of these many unique rules, the hiring process, and how this differs from private sector practices.