Effective Supervisory Practices p30-31

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Education department: Should you bypass standard admission processes for the child of a major donor seeking placement in an over-enrolled program?

• Yes, bypass the standard admission processes.

• No, adhere to the standard admission processes.

• Evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

• Seek guidance from the admissions committee.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Finance department: Should you modify the submitted timesheet of a colleague who mismarked a city holiday?

• Yes, modify the timesheet to correct the error.

• No, do not modify the timesheet and report the issue.

• Consult with HR before making any changes.

• Ignore the error as it is not your responsibility.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Fire department: Should the neighborhood association that always retweets the chief’s messages receive first dibs on the city’s carbon monoxide detector giveaway program?

• Yes, because they support the chief's messages.

• No, because all neighborhoods should have equal access.

• Yes, because it encourages community engagement.

• No, because it is unethical to show favoritism.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Human Resources department: Should you share the name of an internal applicant for a job announcement with a colleague outside your department?

• Yes, always share the name.

• No, never share the name.

• Only share if you have permission.

• Share only if it benefits the company.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Information Technology department: Should you access a colleague’s email who is out on medical leave to check for any urgent messages?

• Yes, if you have permission from your supervisor.

• No, it is a violation of privacy.

• Yes, if it is an emergency and you have exhausted other options.

• No, you should never access someone else's email.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Inspections department: Should you accept a free lunch from a restaurant you have inspected?

• Yes, it's a nice gesture.

• No, it could be seen as a conflict of interest.

• Only if the restaurant insists.

• Only if your supervisor approves.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Parks and Recreation department: Should you give your relative privileges to sign up for a popular class before it sells out?

• Yes, because family comes first.

• No, because it is unethical to give privileges based on personal relationships.

• Yes, if it doesn't harm anyone else.

• No, because it violates department policy.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Planning department: Should you prioritize reviewing the rezoning application of a developer who voluntarily contributes to the city’s historic preservation fund?

• Yes, prioritize the developer's application.

• No, treat all applications equally regardless of contributions.

• Only if the contribution significantly benefits the city.

• Prioritize only if instructed by higher authorities.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Police/Sheriff department: Should you waive the speeding ticket of the mayor’s child?

• Yes, because of their status.

• No, because everyone should be treated equally.

• Yes, if they promise not to do it again.

• No, unless there is a valid emergency.

Consider how you might approach the following ethical situation in the Procurement department: Should you accept the late bid of a vendor you know the department trusts to do quality work?

• Yes, accept the late bid because the vendor is trusted.

• No, do not accept the late bid as it is against policy.

• Accept the late bid only if there are no other bids.

• Reject the late bid and inform the vendor about the policy.