Codes and Oaths                                                                                                January 2006
  
 Elected and appointed public officials typically express a very positive attitude toward codes of ethics. The conventional wisdom is that codes have a positive influence in governance, especially in deterring unethical acts by ethically motivated public servants. That is, unethical officials are likely to be unethical regardless of whether a code exists but those who want to be ethical find a code helpful. Of course, the motivation for adopting a code is often the result of unethical behavior or scandal in the organization.

Oaths are also employed in some jurisdictions to encourage ethical behavior. Here is an example of an oath that one local government requires its employees to sign.
I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of ________, and faithfully discharge the duties of ___________________ , and to abide by and adhere to the provisions of the Code of Ethics of the Government of __________________. So help me God.
 
Hard evidence that either codes or oaths either encourage ethical behavior or discourage unethical behavior is sparse. Nonetheless, many administrators believe that codes and oaths contribute significantly to an ethical workplace. Some managers even require their subordinates to sign their professional code and hang it on their office wall.

A few years ago ASPA debated the wisdom of requiring new members to sign the membership application indicating that “I support the ASPA Code of Ethics and will abide by its principles.” National Council rejected this pledge and opted for an optional check off on the application form stating that “I have read and agree with ASPA’s Code of Ethics.” Do you agree with this policy? Should renewing members pledge to uphold the Code?  As a top manager, would you require lower level managers to sign and put on public display their professional code or oath? Why or why not?