# Presentation: 732871

## Common Sense Ethics

**Common Sense Ethics**

## Everyone who enters into public service for the United States has a duty to the American people to maintain the highest standards of integrity in Government

- - The White House - Jan. 20, 2001

## Ethics According to Webster

***The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation***
***The set of moral principles and values***
***A theory of moral values***
***The principles of conduct governing an individual or group***

## There’s a big difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do!

- - Potter Stewart, American Supreme Court justice (1915-1985)

## Ethical Workplaces

***Leaders have integrity and serve as examples to other employees***
***Employees are treated in a fair and respectful manner***
***Employees perform duties focused on the values, mission and goals of the organization***
***Employees understand and follow the basic “do’s and don’ts” of the organization***
***The public trusts employees to conduct the business of the organization (Government) using the highest  ethical standards***

## TIP #1

***If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!!***

## Tip #2

***Ask yourself what your neighbors, friends or family members would think. Would they approve of an action or activity as proper and wise? ***

## Tip #3

***You may have to jump through some hoops.  Be prepared to do the paperwork if necessary!***

## Tip #4

***If you have questions - - - ASK!!!***

## Quick Review Checklist

***Travel***
***Outside Activities***
***Political Activities***
***Lobbying***

## Travel

***All travel must be approved through supervisory channels***
***Contributed travel from non-Federal sources approved based on conflict of interest considerations***
***Foreign travel – start the process early!***
***Travel for non-scientists is approved on case by case basis ***

## Outside Activities

***Can be conducted as part of official duties or in personal capacity***
***Approval must be obtained for public and confidential financial disclosure filers***
***Outside activities include participation in professional societies (editors, officers, etc.), university positions (adjunct professor, etc.), and private business ventures***

## Political Activities

***Employee may be candidate for public office in nonpartisan elections***
***May join and be an active member of a political party or club***
***May assist in voter registration drives***
***May contribute money to political organizations***
***May attend political fundraising functions***
***May express opinions about candidates and issues***

## Employee may not engage in political activity while -

***On duty***
***In a government office ***
***Using a government vehicle***

## Lobbying

***Lobbying is not an official duty!!***
***Lobbying on Government time and/or using Government resources is prohibited***
***Use of Government appropriated funds for lobbying is prohibited by law***

## ARS Code of Scientific Ethics

***I dedicate myself to the pursuit and promotion of beneficial scientific investigation, consistent with the mission of ARS.***
***I will never hinder the beneficial research of others.***
***I will conduct, discuss, manage, judge and report science honestly, thoroughly, and without conflict of interest.***
***I will encourage constructive critique of my personal science and that of my colleagues, in a manner that fosters harmony and quality amid scientific debate.***

## ARS Code of Scientific Ethics, cont.

***I recognize past and present contributors to my science and will not accept unwarranted credit for the accomplishment of others.***
***I will maintain and improve my professional skills and be a mentor to others.***
***I will ensure safety and humane treatment of human and animal subjects and will prevent abuse of research resources entrusted to me.***

## Slide 18

## Contacts

***Northern Plains Area – Larry Chandler;        970-492-7058; ***_[larry.chandler@ars.usda.gov](mailto:larry.chandler@ars.usda.gov)_
***Northern Plains Area – Louise Dalton;          970-492-7058; ***_[louise.dalton@ars.usda.gov](mailto:louise.dalton@ars.usda.gov)_
***ARS – Sue Mutchler; 301-504-1442; ***_[smutchler@ars.usda.](mailto:smutchler@ars.usda.gov)__[gov](mailto:smutchler@ars.usda.gov)_
- _[www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/index.](http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/index.htm)__[htm](http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/index.htm)_