Running Head: CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1

Corruption in Public Administration

Pamela Funsch

November 17, 2018

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Abstract

Corruption in public administration is something that is happening today and has happened for many

years in the past. Identifying the appropriate strategies will help in the decision-making process.

Following the mission of the organization is key in this process. Paying close attention to how the end

results will affect the entire organization is key. Each decision should be carefully evaluated and

soliciting information from others is necessary. Effective moral decision-making skills are learned, and

developed through careful evaluation of all factors.

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Executive Summary

This Author identified a topic that can be concerning to most American’s, corruption.

Corruption is present in many organizations. It should be noted that the scenario identified in this paper

is that of a personal nature and involved President Clinton, and Monica Lewinsky. Although they had a

personal relationship the choices made by both parties had a determinantal effect to many. This

decision affected not only their family members but people of the United States. Holding a public

office carries much responsibility, and honesty and integrity is among the few. As we move through the

direction of this paper, we viewed what changes could be made to impact positive change in

organizations that are struggling to maintain structure and order. Involving staff in the change process

is helpful, using the mission of the organization to guide this process. Accountability and transparency

are needed from those who are in a leadership role. The question addressed in this research paper is

what is corruption in public administration. Corruption is defined and it is clear that the attributes in

this definition include; power, funds, theft, fraud and nepotism. Organizations involved in this process

of remedies are The United States Office of Special Counsel this organization is overseen by the Merit

Systems Protection Board (Cooper, 2012). The protection board receives and investigates reports of

concerning actions. The Fraud Task Force will also investigate allegations of impropriety. The

opposing view may not agree with these suggestions in remedies and actions. Those who act

unethically may find ways and reasons for their choices just as the president and Ms. Lewinsky did.

Lessons learned are included in this paper. There is a need for developing effective code of ethics

which should be followed by everyone. People in power have more responsibility and in most cases

knowledge and should understand how their responsibility to act ethically regardless of the gray area.
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Executive Summary Continued

Recommendations included in this paper are as follows;

 Identify the immediate threats

 Develop appropriate actions

 Develop knowledge of the organization

 Understand the mission

 Develop healthy and appropriate personal values, beliefs and convictions

 Prioritize each task before making a decision

 Participate in group decisions and solicit ideas from others

 If necessary, challenge orders that do not remain consistent with the overall mission

 Community involvement

 How will the decision affect the greater good of every one

 Consider all personal morals when making the decision, is it embarrassing to the organization

and will I be able to sleep at night

 Knowledge of policies and procedures and understanding of the code of ethics

The conclusion wraps up the best way to handle sensitive situations within organizations. As

difficult as the task is careful consideration should be given to all factors and the mission of the

organization should always be upheld. Finding the best decision takes time, research and knowledge

allowing for the greater good of everyone involved to be a priority.

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Corruption in Public Administration

Introduction

The subject corruption in public administration is in the fore front of the media sometimes on a

daily basis. The news portrays corruption and scandals among public officials often. This puts undue

pressure on the government as a whole. It also has others questioning the public officials’

accountability and true transparency from those who hold a public office. Although there are no easy

answers as to how to prevent corruption, it should be said, that each organization may have a unique

process is how they develop their policies and procedures and ethical practices, this can be a result of

history and culture (F. Stapenhurst & P. Langseth, 1997). The government has agencies in place to

oversee strategies and processes Prevention is necessary, being aware of what is happening within the

organization, the plan in place through policies and procedures and an effective code of ethics with help

with this process. Also electing officials with high standards, willingness to put the people’s best

interest first and one with a background of integrity (Cooper, 2012).

What is corruption in public administration? This topic is interesting due to the varieties in

ethical practices and personal beliefs. In the news it is stated daily of inappropriate relationships with

public officials and lack of responsibility with public funds as well as others who hold office and abuse

their power. President Clinton comes to mind immediately, and his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

Recently on ABC Good Morning America, The Clinton Affair by Mark Osborne, 2018 it was reported

that she believed due to his power that he had the capability of destroying her career and her life. She

did not report the violations because of fear, and retaliation (Osborne, 2018). The Clinton Affair is the

perfect example of corruption in the White House and with our former President of the United States.

For many years it was swept under the rug with no honesty in sight. Ms. Lewinsky struggled with her

own ethical dilemma, and the expectations that holds. She was afraid to share what had been going on

due to the implications and legal issues that may arise because of it. Mr. Clinton had told her she did
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not have to tell anyone, she did not have to testify in the legal issues as a result of him impropriety. She

later said she wished she would have done the right thing for everyone involved (Osborne, 2018),

Corruption defined

Corruption is defined as activities which cover many areas both privately and professionally.

These include some of the following; funds, power, theft, fraud, nepotism, etc. Corruption in most

cases is illegal and when addressing corruption, it should be noted there are many areas that are not

clear, and this creates a gray area for most, leaving those in power to choose right or wrong (Corruption

Agenda, 2014). Corruption could be known as seeking power, money or other means for personal gain.

This may be in the public sector or private organizations. It is necessary for those who hold power in

their title to be aware of the costs involved (Cooper, 2012). Corruption can cost the people much, in

regard to respect, money, trust, and power.

Organizational Remedies and Prevention for Corruption

Consider how prevention can aide in fixing this problem. Organizational remedies are

suggestions to figure out what should happen when these situations occur and planning for the future in

avoiding them from occurring again. A few organizations involved in this process are

The United States Office of Special Counsel this organization is overseen by the Merit Systems

Protection Board (Cooper, 2012). The protection board receives and investigates reports of concerning

actions. The Fraud Task Force will also investigate allegations of impropriety. This organization has

received many referrals and believes that with the option of remaining anonymous, the numbers will

continue to increase. It is believed the public service organizations are aware of these agencies and the

idea they can help hold others accountable. The challenge has been for the whistleblowers, there is no

protection in retaliation although it is highly discouraged. It was reported by Terry L. Cooper 2012, The

Responsible Administrator chapter eight, Organizational Remedies that many of the public employees

report they did not report their concerns to their supervisors prior to making reports of misconduct.

Many of the reports included misconduct among public officials, when asked why they did not report,
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they stated they did not believe it would have brought about positive changes (Cooper, 2012). The

safeguards are necessary and create a way for public employees to assure their voice is heard. They

provide safeguards which allow appropriate investigations to occur. Individual responsibility of public

staff is considered to be of utmost importance, this involves supervisors and public officials helping

those who struggle with personal ethical boundaries. Supervisors who present a positive posture aid in

this process (Cooper, 2012).

Ethics also involves internal values that encompass corporate culture. This helps shape the

decisions the organization makes. Ethical dilemma may occur when ethical responsibilities are not

clearly defined. Where there is uncertainty, there may be lack of ethical boundaries and expectations.

Policies and procedures need to be inheritably defined and understood. This will aid in the prevention

of corruption (F. Stapenhurst & P. Langseth, 1997). Corruption cannot be completely eliminated.

People are individuals and will react and act on their own feelings and emotions regardless. The hope

with the prevention piece is that public organizations will teach their leaders how to handle and respond

to the tough decisions. Training and development is one of the most effective pieces of prevention.

Opposing view

Some may not see their decisions as unethical. It may be as simple as taking extra time for

lunch when only allowed an hour. Employees may be taking offices supplies home, this may include

pencils, pens, toilet paper etc. It may also be using the company printer for personal gain, taking

company time to do personal work on the computer. Some may see these things as ok, as they may

become too comfortable within their work environment. In public administration Mr. Clinton and Ms.

Lewinsky may thought their affair would never be discovered. They may have believed it could be

hidden form the public, and their families indefinitely. Rarely do those who are acting unethical believe

they will get caught or in actuality they are acting unethically. This can be confusing for all involved

because they convince each other it is ok. As the President of the United States much more is expected

than that of Ms. Lewinsky an aid to the president. Power can be a challenge and can be misused, and
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misconstrued as they may believe they will get away with it, because of their status. Ethics is how we

life our life, our culture, our values our beliefs. It is how we make a decision based on the situation

presented before us, (Cooper, 2012). Many allow their personal ethical standards to drive their work

life, it is necessary to be able to separate the two, to be professional at work, but also be compassionate

and loyal when not at work. This can be challenging for some, and these boundaries get crossed, it

causes issues for everyone involved. Most ethical situations as well as personal ones and the

individuals involved see them as an opportunity to make the right decision in each specific case. Those

who see moral dilemmas or use them for personal gain know this is unethical and selfish. This is

known as utilitarianism. Maybe President Clinton and Ms. Lewinsky saw this as an opportunity of

selfish gain, and were they motivated by their needs rather than the needs of those around them.

Lessons Learned

After careful evaluation of the information provided in this narrative along with the study

materials provided in the text book. Lessons learned include the need for developing effective code of

ethics that should be followed of everyone. People in power have more responsibility to present a

professional demeanor, knowledge on their expectations, and understand how their position is to be

conducted ethically following all policies and procedures regardless of the gray area. It is also

necessary to leave personal bias and concerns at home, do not mix business and pleasure and be true to

those who are under you. Presenting a professional polished exterior is necessary when holding an

office of power (Cooper, 2012). Ethical practices should be clearly defined as for all to understand

without finding the gray area. When a person acts and makes a informed, educated, ethical decision it

can be empowering, creating the trust that everyone is looking for within their work environment

(Cooper, 2012). Ms. Lewinsky and President Clinton could have been completely honest and own their

decisions. This may not have changed anything in regards to the outcomes, but the honesty would have

saved the tax payers money and time in deciding for themselves if it actually occurred. Honesty could

have been the first start in this mess. As the way it was handled everyone questioned both of their
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ethical standards, and had a hard time understanding how President Clinton could violate the laws and

policies and procedures as well as his vows to his marriage. This crossed every personal value possible.

Ms. Lewinsky may have believed that if she came forward the damages would be much greater than if

she kept quiet. Once again, these breaks both personal and professional ethical standards, as she did

know he was married and the President of the United States.

Recommendations

Identifying the threats within the organization and develop appropriate actions for the

organization and the individual (Cooper, 2012). In regard to corruption it is necessary to maintain and

develop knowledge of the organization. This included the mission statement and all policies and

procedures. It is necessary to make decisions that remain true to the legally mandated mission of the

organization. Individually understand and develop healthy values, beliefs, convictions and priorities

(Cooper, 2012). Participate in group discussions regarding organization changes in regard to policy and

procedures, be willing to offer new suggestions that will empower staff and create effective change in

addressing concerns. Encourage others to become involved, to offer their suggestions on how to

improve the overall organization. It is ok to look and explore personal beliefs when doing this change

process, having a conversation with others in the organization will empower each person to reevaluate

how they see things, how they react to difficult situations, ultimately creating comfort in the tough

decisions made for the overall good of everyone. It is ok to challenge orders that are not consistent with

the overall mission of the organization (Cooper, 2012). Personally, reevaluate and change personal

ethical standards, and continue to develop healthy relationships within the community and personally.

With public officials continue to be involved in community relations regarding community activities

and such. This commitment will help for every area of growth and development. It will help keep

personal bias in check and to follow all legally mandated requirements. In the situation of President

Clinton and Ms. Lewinsky following the laws and regulations would have been a start, they should

have evaluated their own beliefs and priorities and made changes accordingly.
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After careful study of the research materials and the readings, it is clear how important it is to

develop one’s own healthy ethical standards with work and personal decisions. The recommendations

remain true to the text book and how to apply ethical decision-making skills. It can be challenging and

the text book with T.L. Cooper provided many problem-solving ideas to address needs as they may

arise. In Chapter ten there is a model on page 261 Model of Responsible Administrator that provides

the same oversight for employees and public officials. It explains the organizational and individual

actions. These suggestions help anyone who may be on the fence about how to proceed a road map of

choices. When confronted with an ethical dilemma individual may want to consider can we sleep at

night based on the decision made. Oftentimes personal integrity is at risk, Evaluation will help identify

the right way to decide. A few questions one may ask are; is the problem what is appears to be if

unknown find out all the details. Is the position clearly understood of those who this will affect, the

decision is it reasonable, who does this decision affect, and how will I feel about myself after making

this decision. Also consider if others have been asked and informed and are you expecting others to do

something you are not willing to do yourself (Menyah, 2002).

Conclusion

In conclusion public and personal ethical standards are an important part of every organization.

Identifying what works, what does not work, and how it should be changed will allow organizations to

receive the desired results. As we move through the decision-making process many questions should be

considered most importantly how the decision is made and how it will effect everyone. The final

decision will be in the best interest of all parties. It will hopefully be effective and have solicited ideas

from staff. The decision made will encompass careful consideration and will not embarrass the

organization. When making an ethical decision everyone should be on board with following the

mission of the organization and the greater good of everyone. President Clinton and Ms. Lewinsky did

not consider the greater good of others, they did not consider how this would affect not only their

families but the people of the United States. Ethical decision making is crucial for leaders whether they
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are the head of the country or the head of a small public organization. It is necessary to follow the

guidelines identified by the organization and the mission. Policies and procedures should be identified

to allow for clear understanding. Setting aside personal bias and evaluating how personal beliefs line up

to the organization’s mission. Resolving ethical dilemma requires careful evaluation of the issue, the

stakeholders and their concerns should always be considered. Personal and cultural values shape an

individual preference for ethical perspective. The deontological approach assumes the universal values

and rules do indeed exist (Cooper, 2012).

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References

Dr. David Menyah, (2002) “Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas and the Public Service Program

Development,” CAPAM retrieved from: www.capam.org

Frederick Stapenhurst, Petter Langseth, (1997) "The role of the public administration in fighting

corruption", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 10 Issue: 5, pp.311-330,

https://doi.org/10.1108/09513559710172131

Corruption on the Agenda, (2014), Retrieved from: http://www.corruption-agenda.org/getting-

started/what-is-corruption

Mark Osborne, 2018 The Clinton Affair on ABC Good Morning America Retrieved from:

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/monica-lewinsky-shares-details-falling-president-bill-

clinton/story?id=59183828

T.L. Cooper (2007), The Responsible Administrator, sixth edition, Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint,

Retrieved: www.jossey/bass.com