What is the purpose of a code of ethics? Identify and discuss the
criticisms of codes of ethics (i.e. why codes of ethics are viewed negatively) by some
scholars. Which of the criticisms do you find the most valid? The least relevant?
Explain why. Choose one of the eight (8) principles contained in the ASPA Code of
Ethics and explain how/why you think it would be useful to you in making decisions
as a public administrator.

Sources of this task:
Svara Chapters 5 (pp.87-103) and Appendices 1-6 (pp.201-230)

 “Who Are the Keepers of the Code? Articulating and Upholding Ethical Standards
in the Field of Public Administration” by James Svara; “Calling the Question: The
need for an ASPA Code of Ethics” by James M. Grant; and “Codes, Damn
Codes, and Laws: Continuing Controversies in Public Administration Ethics” by
Stuart C. Gilman, Public Administration Review, 2014. pp. 561-572.

 The Pirates’ Code by James Surowiecki, July 9, 2007 issue of The New Yorker
accessible at http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/07/09/the-pirates-code

References:
The Ethics Primer for Public Administrators in Government and Nonprofit Organizations by James Svara ISBN 978-1-4496-1901-5 Second edition, copyright 2015 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC