Holiday Ethics or Ethics on Holiday?                        May 2005
 

Holidays often create ethical moments for public employees. Below are two real-life cases that have caused some ethical discomfort during the holiday season. Have you experienced these moments?
 

Auctions in the Office
 

"The final tally is in and $3,540 was raised for the Jones's family.  A check will be sent tomorrow. The beautiful, hand crafted oak bookcase went for $1,134. Oh, you want to know who won the bookcase?  After a heated auction contest between Liz, Joe, and Jane, Liz won the bookcase! Thanks to all who donated items for the auction and thanks to all who participated. 
 

It is so comforting to know that we work with such caring and compassionate people!"
 

So what’s the ethical dilemma?  Liz is supervised by Jane, Jane is supervised by Les, and Les is supervised by Joe.  Now even though Les did not bid on the book case he is included to make clear the chain of command.  Joe -- Les -- Jane -- Liz
 

Is it appropriate for supervisors to compete with subordinates in this kind of office situation?  Should Joe not bid because he is the second line supervisor to Jane and the third line supervisor to Liz?  Should Jane have backed out because she is Liz’s supervisor? Les decided it was not right for him to participate because he supervised Jane and Liz.
 

Do workplace auctions for charity or other well intended office situations foster ill will and perhaps unethical behavior when supervisors are pitted against organizational subordinates? 

---Submitted by Grace N. McGrath  <grace.mcgrath@ks.usda.gov>
 

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Workplace Solicitations

I received this email on the office server.

"Good morning,  I have a sample of my 2005 Desk "Night-Sky Photography" Calendar in my office if anyone would like to see it before purchasing.  Please call me first to make sure I am in the office.  Price is $15.00.  I am taking Christmas orders. Remember, 1/3 of the profit for the calendars goes to Bette (in purchasing) to help out her husband who has recently come down with MS.  Thanks,  Ron"

I often receive email from staff about charitable organizations trying to raise money by selling candy, magazines, or cookies as the Girl Scouts do annually.  I have never raised an objection about such solicitation at work for organizations supporting "good" causes.  Does the good of helping Bette, a fellow employee, with the expenses associated with her husband's MS, outweigh the personal profit motive?

What should I do?  Are the solicitations by a soccer mom to raise funds for her son's team the same thing as this enterprising fellow who is putting part of his profit to help a well-liked and financially troubled employee?  Should a public administrator see either one, or both as unethical in the workplace? Or is this the kind of situation where we shrug and turn our head the other way?
 

--submitted by Michael Vocino <vocino@uri.edu>

Editor's Note: This is the 100th moment in the PATimes. All moments are available online at the Ethics Section website -- http://www.aspaonline.org/ethicscommunity/